Unveiling the surprising details behind adrien rabiot’s move to om
In the summer of 2024, as his contract with Juventus concluded, Adrien Rabiot took some time before finalizing his next club. To the astonishment of many, the French international, a product of the Paris Saint-Germain academy, ultimately committed to Olympique Marseille. This decision came as a surprise, especially since other prestigious destinations were reportedly vying for his signature, as recent revelations have underscored.
After a significant tenure with Juventus from 2019 to 2024, Adrien Rabiot found himself at a crossroads. As his contract expired, the midfielder, who honed his skills at PSG, chose to join Olympique Marseille. This move was particularly notable given that several top European clubs were reportedly making enticing offers, potentially presenting more ambitious sporting projects than the Phocaeans.
Ancelotti’s interest at Real Madrid
Beyond his formative years at PSG, Adrien Rabiot’s decision to sign with OM raised eyebrows due to Marseille’s absence from any European competition at the time. Despite this, the French international was persuaded by the allure of Marseille, even though a colossal opportunity with Real Madrid had presented itself. Spanish journalist José Félix Diaz, writing for AS, highlighted on X that “Rabiot didn’t have a team on August 30, 2024. Ancelotti wanted to sign him,” referencing Rabiot’s robust performances with the French national team during the World Cup. Despite the clear desire from Carlo Ancelotti, then manager of Real Madrid, Adrien Rabiot ultimately bypassed the Spanish capital, opting instead for OM.
A bold recruitment by Benatia
The pivotal figure behind Adrien Rabiot’s arrival at OM was none other than Medhi Benatia, who served as the club’s director of football at the time. The Moroccan executive reflected on this significant acquisition, explaining his audacious approach: “When I brought Adrien in, the transfer window was closed, but we could use a ‘joker’ signing because he was a free agent, having not extended his contract with Juve. He had numerous options, but for various reasons, he hadn’t reached an agreement. I had followed his whole transfer saga, where he might go, etc. And honestly, I just went for it with a bold move.” Benatia continued, describing Rabiot as a passionate and dedicated footballer. “When I called him, I thought, at worst he says no, I have nothing to lose. But if it works… And then, he called me back 24 hours later. I told him: ‘Adri, my friend, I gave you 48 hours, not 24. Are you sure you’ve thought this through?’ He replied: ‘No, no, I’ve thought it over. 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 said: ‘No, it’s good, it’s how you talked to me about football. It’s good, I want to come.’“