In the summer of 2024, after his contract with Juventus concluded, Adrien Rabiot’s search for a new club took an unexpected turn. To the surprise of many, the French international, a product of the Paris Saint-Germain academy, ultimately committed to Olympique de Marseille. This decision raised eyebrows, especially given that numerous other top-tier destinations were reportedly vying for his signature.
Currently a key player for Milan AC, Adrien Rabiot made his return to Italian football approximately a year ago. His move to Lombardy, marking another stint in Serie A, followed his departure from OM after an altercation involving Jonathan Rowe. Prior to his time at Marseille, Rabiot had been a stalwart for Juventus from 2019 to 2024. Upon the expiration of his contract with the Turin giants, the midfielder, who honed his skills at PSG, opted for OM, despite reportedly receiving more lucrative proposals and enticing projects from other major European clubs.
Ancelotti’s real madrid ambition for rabiot
Beyond his history with PSG, Adrien Rabiot’s choice to join OM was particularly astonishing because the Phocéen club was not competing in any European cup at the time. Nevertheless, the French international was swayed by Marseille, a decision that meant he bypassed a potential move to none other than Real Madrid. As Rabiot delivered a strong performance for the French national team during the World Cup, 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, Rabiot ultimately did not head to the Spanish capital, instead making his way to OM.
A bold approach that sealed the deal
The architect behind Adrien Rabiot’s unexpected arrival at OM was Medhi Benatia, then the club’s director of football. The Moroccan executive, now no longer with Marseille, later recounted the details of this significant transfer coup. He explained, « When I brought Adrien in, the transfer window was closed, but we could use a joker. Because he was a free agent at that moment, having not extended his contract with Juve. He had his pick of clubs, but for various reasons, he hadn’t reached an agreement. I had been following the entire transfer market, seeing where he might go, etc. And honestly, I just went for it, with audacity. » Benatia elaborated on Rabiot’s passion for football, describing him as someone who gives his all. « So when I called him, I thought, worst case, he says no, I have nothing to lose. But if it works… » Rabiot called him back just 24 hours later. Benatia recalled, « I told him: « Adri, my friend, I gave you 48 hours, not 24. Are you sure you’ve thought it through? » He said: « No, no, I’ve thought about it. I’ll give you my mother’s number, call her and you can start. » I said: « Don’t worry, I already have everything. I just need you to tell me if… » He replied: « No, it’s good, for me, it’s how you talked to me about football. It’s good, I want to come » ».