Manchester United and Newcastle United are reportedly both competing for the signature of 28-year-old Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot.
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Manchester United and Newcastle United are “ready to knock on Rabiot’s doors again”, despite the fresh contract renewal talks with Juventus. But the contract Rabiot signed with the Bianconeri ends next year.
Adrien Rabiot first joined the Bianconeri in 2019 as a free agent after running out of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain. After three underwhelming campaigns in Turin, the midfielder endured a resurgence last term, establishing himself as a true force in the middle of the park for both club and country.
Last season, Rabiot made 48 appearances across all competitions for Juve. In the process, he scored 11 goals and made six assists, solidifying his position as a key player for Massimiliano Allegri’s side.
Despite extensive outside interest from top clubs across Europe, the 28-year-old surprised many by signing a renewal with Juventus, who were hit by a heavy points penalty for false accounting that saw them dumped out of Europe altogether, just a few days before the expiry of his previous contract.
His decision was partially sparked by his position on the national team ahead of the 2024 European Championships. He opted for the safe regular game-time option rather than trying his luck elsewhere and putting his starting berth with France at risk.
As a result, Juventus were only able to tie the midfielder down to another one-year deal, meaning the Bianconeri now find themselves in a similar situation to last term. Juve are hellbent on avoiding another dramatic Rabiot saga and are already in talks to reach an agreement over a renewal as soon as possible.
It is widely reported that the Serie A giants would need to qualify for the Champions League in order to convince the player to sign a new deal, while his mother and agent Veronique will likely demand an “upward adjustment of her son’s salary.”
If Rabiot decides to leave Juventus, he has no shortage of suitors, with Manchester United and Newcastle United vying for his signature. The Red Devils, for one, have been consistently linked with a swoop for the Frenchman since the summer of 2022.
Erik ten Hag reportedly launched another attempt to sign him in this past summer. But talks collapsed shortly before he signed a one-year deal with Juve. No one can deny Rabiot’s talent. He is one of the best midfielders in the world. But having signed Sofyan Amrabat and Mason Mount this past summer, and Scott McTominay still on their books, it is questionable whether the Red Devils need another box-to-box midfielder at the moment.
However, things might change next summer, and if they inevitably let go of McTominay, Rabiot could be that major upgrade and boost Manchester United’s squad depth even further. Newcastle could also come into play. A dynamic midfielder, the 28-year-old has the ability to play in a defensive or attacking role.
His physicality, aerial prowess, technical quality, and high counter-pressing actions would suit Eddie Howe’s style of play. That said, the Magpies don’t need another No. 8, with Joelinton, Joe Willock, and summer signing Sandro Tonali all top-class options at Howe’s disposal. In addition, Sean Longstaff has proven himself to be a vital piece of the midfield jigsaw due to his defensive discipline.
