In the summer of 2024, following the conclusion of his contract with Juventus, Adrien Rabiot’s search for a new club extended for some time. To widespread surprise, the French international, a product of Paris Saint-Germain’s academy, ultimately agreed to join Olympique de Marseille. This decision came despite numerous other prestigious opportunities that were reportedly available to him.
Currently with Milan AC, Adrien Rabiot made his return to Italian football approximately a year ago. His departure from OM, following an altercation with Jonathan Rowe, saw the French international relocate to Lombardy, once again competing in Serie A, a league he knows intimately. From 2019 to 2024, Rabiot had previously donned the jersey of Juventus. Upon the expiration of that contract, the midfielder, who honed his skills at PSG, elected to sign with OM, choosing Marseille over several prominent European clubs that were actively pursuing him with more ambitious proposals.
Ancelotti wanted him at real madrid
Beyond the considerable surprise stemming from Adrien Rabiot‘s PSG background, his decision to join OM was further perplexing given that the Phocaean club was not participating in any European competitions at the time. Nevertheless, the French international was swayed by Marseille‘s appeal, despite having the opportunity to sign with none other than Real Madrid. Spanish journalist José Félix Diaz of AS recently highlighted this on X, recalling that during Rabiot’s strong performance at the World Cup with the French national team, ‘Rabiot didn’t have a team on August 30, 2024. Ancelotti wanted to sign him.’ Despite this clear interest from Carlo Ancelotti, then manager of Real Madrid, Adrien Rabiot ultimately did not move to the Spanish capital, instead opting for OM.
“I took a bold chance”
At OM, the pivotal figure behind Adrien Rabiot‘s unexpected signing was Medhi Benatia. The former sporting director for Marseille, now no longer in that role, recounted the story of this significant acquisition. He explained, ‘When I brought Adrien in, the transfer window was closed, but we could use a joker. He was a free agent at the time, having not extended his contract with Juve. He had a multitude of options, but for various reasons, he hadn’t reached an agreement with anyone. I had been following the entire transfer market, observing his potential destinations. So, I decided to take a bold chance.’ Benatia further elaborated on Rabiot’s character: ‘When you know Adri, he’s a true football enthusiast, a guy who gives his all. So, when I called him, I thought, at worst, he’ll say no, I have nothing to lose. But what if it works out?’ Remarkably, Rabiot called him back just 24 hours later. Benatia recalled his surprise: ‘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 mother’s number, call her, and you can start.” I said, “Don’t worry, I already have everything. I just want you to confirm…” He then said, “No, it’s settled, it’s how you spoke to me about football. It’s good, I want to come.”
