In the summer of 2024, as his contract with Juventus concluded, Adrien Rabiot took his time to secure a new club. To the surprise of many, the French international, a product of the Paris Saint-Germain academy, ultimately agreed to join Olympique de Marseille. This decision came despite revelations that other prestigious destinations were reportedly available to him.
Currently a player for Milan AC, Adrien Rabiot made his return to the Italian championship a year ago. Following an altercation with Jonathan Rowe, which led to his departure from Olympique de Marseille, the French international settled in Lombardy, once again competing in Serie A, a league he knows intimately. Indeed, from 2019 to 2024, Rabiot proudly wore the Juventus jersey. Upon the expiration of that contract, the midfielder, who honed his skills at Paris Saint-Germain, then opted for OM, choosing the French club despite strong interest from top European teams offering what appeared to be more ambitious projects.
Ancelotti had eyed him for Real Madrid
Beyond his formative years at Paris Saint-Germain, Adrien Rabiot’s decision to join OM raised eyebrows, particularly as the Phocaeans were not competing in any European cup at the time. Nevertheless, the French international was swayed by Marseille, even though a move to Real Madrid was a distinct possibility. As Rabiot delivered a robust performance during the World Cup with the French national team, Spanish journalist José Félix Diaz, writing for AS, highlighted on X: « Rabiot was without a team on August 30, 2024. Ancelotti wanted to sign him. » Despite this clear interest from Carlo Ancelotti, the former Real Madrid coach, Adrien Rabiot ultimately did not make his way to the Spanish capital, instead heading to OM.
« I just went for it »
At OM, it was Medhi Benatia who orchestrated Adrien Rabiot’s signature. The Moroccan, who has since departed his role as Marseille’s sporting director, reflected on this significant acquisition, explaining: « When I brought Adrien in, the transfer window was already closed, but we could make a joker signing. He was a free agent at that point, having not extended his contract with Juve. He had a multitude of choices, but for various reasons, he hadn’t reached an agreement. I had followed the entire transfer market, where he might go, etc. And honestly, I just went for it. (…) When you know Adri, he’s a football enthusiast, a guy who gives his all. So, when I called him, I thought, at worst he says no, I have nothing to lose. But if it works out… And then, he called me back 24 hours later. I told him: “Adri, my man, I gave you 48 hours, not 24. Are you sure you’ve thought this through?” He replied: “No, no, I’ve thought about it. I’ll give you my mom’s number, call her, and you can get started.” I said: “Don’t worry, I already have everything. I just need you to tell me if…” He said: “No, it’s good, it’s how you talked about football to me. It’s good, I want to come.” »
