Could Manchester United Land a £17M Steal on a Former Transfer Target?

Manchester United may have a second chance to secure the signing of Adrien Rabiot, who has been transfer-listed by Marseille after a recent violent incident. The experienced midfielder, previously linked with United, could be available for a cut-price deal of between €15-20 million (£13-17 million), making him a potentially attractive option as the transfer window nears its end.

Last updated: 15 October 2023 (BST)

Overview of Rabiot's Situation

Adrien Rabiot's tumultuous time at Marseille has taken a significant turn following a dressing room altercation that led to both him and teammate Jonathan Rowe being made available for transfer. This incident has opened the door for clubs like Manchester United to consider a move for the 30-year-old midfielder, who was previously a target last summer.

Key Takeaways

• Rabiot has been transfer-listed by Marseille after a serious dressing room incident.
• Manchester United could acquire him for £13-17 million.
• Rabiot previously expressed hesitance about joining United due to the club’s struggles.
• He recorded nine goals and four assists last season, showcasing his capabilities.
• The transfer window is closing soon, adding urgency to any potential deal.

Background on Adrien Rabiot

Rabiot, a French international, has had a prolific career, winning five Ligue 1 titles with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) before moving to Juventus and then Marseille. He has proven himself as a key player, especially last season when he contributed significantly to Marseille’s campaign, helping them secure a second-place finish in Ligue 1.

Violent Incident at Marseille

The recent dressing room bust-up at Marseille has escalated to the point where club president Pablo Longoria described the situation as "extremely serious and extremely violent". This incident reportedly involved both Rabiot and Rowe, prompting the club to take decisive action to address unacceptable behaviour within their ranks.

Longoria remarked that such events are not just concerning for football clubs but for any organisation, indicating the severity of the situation. As a result, Marseille is now actively looking to offload Rabiot, and this has drawn interest from several clubs, including Manchester United.

Manchester United's Interest

Manchester United have been looking to bolster their midfield options, especially after their pursuit of Brighton's Carlos Baleba fell through. Reports suggest that Rabiot is being offered to the club for a fee that appears reasonable given the current market conditions.

Rabiot's Previous Hesitations

Despite the potential for a transfer, Rabiot’s past comments about Manchester United imply he may not be entirely convinced of moving to Old Trafford. He previously stated that he felt reticent about the club’s ability to achieve success, suggesting a level of uncertainty about their current trajectory. This hesitance could play a pivotal role in future negotiations.

Current Market Dynamics

The transfer market is known for its unpredictability, especially towards the closing weeks when clubs scramble to finalise deals. Rabiot's availability at a relatively low price point could attract multiple suitors, and with Manchester United's pressing need for a central midfielder, this situation may develop rapidly.

Potential Impact on Manchester United

If Rabiot were to join United, he could bring substantial experience and skill to a midfield that has struggled with consistency. His ability to contribute in both attack and defence would be invaluable, particularly as United aims to recover from a challenging start to the season.

What Happens Next?

As the transfer window nears its end, clubs will be keen to secure players who can make an immediate impact. Rabiot’s situation will likely remain fluid, and United may need to act quickly if they wish to secure his services. Furthermore, the potential for other clubs to enter the fray adds an extra layer of complexity to the negotiations.

Conclusion

With the transfer window closing soon, Manchester United may face a crucial decision regarding Adrien Rabiot. His availability presents a unique opportunity to strengthen their squad, but whether he chooses to make the move amidst his previous reservations about the club’s prospects remains to be seen. As developments unfold, Rabiot's future will be a key storyline to watch in the coming weeks.

FAQs

Why was Adrien Rabiot transfer-listed?

Adrien Rabiot was transfer-listed by Marseille due to his involvement in a violent altercation in the dressing room, which the club deemed unacceptable behaviour.

What is the asking price for Rabiot?

Rabiot is reportedly available for a fee between €15-20 million (£13-17 million), making him a potentially attractive option for clubs interested in his services.

What did Rabiot say about Manchester United previously?

Rabiot expressed concerns about joining Manchester United, indicating he felt unsure about the club's ability to achieve success based on their situation at the time.

How did Rabiot perform last season?

Last season, Rabiot had a notable impact at Marseille, scoring nine goals and providing four assists in 29 league appearances, showcasing his skill as a midfielder.

What are the implications of the incident for Marseille?

The incident has led Marseille to make key players available for transfer, which could affect team morale and dynamics as they seek to move forward from the controversy.