Adrien Rabiot, the 29-year-old French midfielder, has agreed to join Olympique Marseille, ending months of speculation linking him with a move to the Premier League, particularly Manchester United. Rabiot, a free agent since his Juventus contract expired at the end of last season, has opted for a return to Ligue 1, pending a medical examination. This marks a significant move for both the player and the club, as Marseille continues to bolster their squad for future ambitions.
Rabiot’s Free Agent Status and Premier League Links
After leaving Juventus at the end of last season, Rabiot became one of the most sought-after free agents in European football. Several Premier League clubs were reportedly interested in securing his services, with Manchester United being the most prominent. United had been tracking Rabiot for years, and discussions with his mother and agent, Veronique Rabiot, had taken place previously, but no formal deal materialized.
Despite being linked with United for another summer, the Premier League giants eventually opted to sign Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth £50.5 million, leaving the door open for Rabiot to explore other options.
Marseille’s Ambitious Recruitment Drive
Olympique Marseille, led by Roberto De Zerbi, has been active in the transfer market, making several high-profile signings, including Mason Greenwood, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, and Neal Maupay. Rabiot's addition represents another major coup for the French club as they aim to challenge Paris Saint-Germain for domestic dominance and compete on the European stage.
Marseille’s statement on the deal read: "Olympique de Marseille announces that it has reached an agreement in principle with Adrien Rabiot for the arrival of the French international midfielder at the club. The player will sign with OM subject to the results of the medical examination."
Once his medical is completed, Rabiot is expected to be officially unveiled as the club's latest signing, adding depth and experience to Marseille’s midfield.
A Key Role for France and Juventus
Rabiot's departure from Juventus came after a successful spell in Serie A, where he established himself as a key player in their midfield. He also played a crucial role in France's national team during Euro 2024, helping his side reach the semifinals before being knocked out by eventual champions Spain. His performances on the international stage reaffirmed his quality, making him a desirable target for top European clubs.
Despite his strong showings for France, Rabiot has yet to make an appearance this season due to his free-agent status. His move to Marseille signals a fresh chapter in his career, where he will look to make an immediate impact in Ligue 1.
Manchester United's Long-standing Interest
Manchester United's interest in Adrien Rabiot is not new. The Premier League club had been tracking the French midfielder for several years, with discussions between United and Rabiot’s camp dating back to at least two years ago. Veronique Rabiot, the player's mother and agent, revealed that United had expressed serious interest in bringing her son to Old Trafford, but no deal was struck due to Rabiot's preference to stay in Turin with Juventus. United once again considered Rabiot as an option this summer, but they ultimately chose to invest in Manuel Ugarte, leaving Rabiot's future undecided for weeks.
United’s decision to pursue Ugarte over Rabiot reflects a shift in their strategy. Ugarte’s youth, combined with his aggressive playing style, aligned more closely with Erik ten Hag’s vision for Manchester United's midfield. While Rabiot would have added experience and technical quality, Ugarte represented a long-term investment for the club. This left Rabiot free to explore other avenues, and with Premier League interest cooling, he ultimately found a compelling project in Marseille.
Marseille’s Growing Ambitions
Rabiot's arrival at Marseille is a clear signal of the club's growing ambition to compete at the highest levels. Under Roberto De Zerbi, OM has made several notable signings, targeting both young talents and experienced players who can make an immediate impact. Rabiot's versatility and experience playing for top clubs
like PSG and Juventus will provide Marseille with a strong presence in midfield, capable of dictating play and contributing both defensively and offensively.
The decision to sign Rabiot aligns with Marseille's broader strategy of building a squad that can challenge Paris Saint-Germain for Ligue 1 supremacy while also making a deep run in European competitions. With Marseille currently sitting second in Ligue 1, Rabiot's addition comes at a crucial time in the season. If his move proves successful, Marseille may well establish themselves as one of the most formidable teams in French football.
Adrien Rabiot Join Olympique Marseille