French midfielder Adrien Rabiot has finalized a contract with Marseille following the completion of his medical examination, as announced by the French club on Tuesday.
As a midfielder of exceptional quality, Rabiot is expected to inject some excitement into Ligue 1, especially after the departure of its marquee player, Kylian Mbappé, who left Paris Saint-Germain for Real Madrid this summer. The ongoing transfer window has introduced a range of changes, and Rabiot’s presence is anticipated to intensify the already fierce competition among clubs and their talented rosters in the league.
While Marseille did not disclose the financial details of Rabiot’s contract, this is frequently observed during club dealings and often leaves supporters guessing about the implications for the team’s budget and future player strategies. Nonetheless, Rabiot’s move is perceived as a crucial addition that may bolster Marseille’s aspirations in both domestic league competitions and European tournaments.
Rabiot made his arrival on Monday evening at the local airport, receiving a warm welcome from enthusiastic fans who are eager for the contributions he is poised to make to the team. His transfer to Marseille signifies a fresh phase in his career after a successful yet complicated period at Juventus, where he achieved notable feats.
At 29 years old, Rabiot became a free agent after choosing not to extend his deal with Juventus, where he played for five seasons and collected numerous honors, including a Serie A title, two Italian Cups, and one Italian Super Cup. Although his time in Italy featured commendable performances, it was also overshadowed by discussions about his reliability and earlier career choices.
His signing is likely to provoke a strong reaction from Marseille’s archrival PSG. Having grown up in the Val-de-Marne area of Paris, Rabiot joined the PSG academy at just 15 years old and later made 227 appearances for the club, clinching six French league titles before a contentious departure in the summer of 2019 when he switched to Juventus on a free transfer. Fans and PSG management will undoubtedly be following his performances closely now that he has joined their nemesis.
On the international front, Rabiot has earned 48 caps for France, demonstrating his abilities on a global scale. He participated in Euro 2024, where the French team suffered a disappointing semifinal loss to Spain, a match that left players and fans alike reflecting on their journey and aspirations for future success in international competitions.
Marseille — the only French club to have won the Champions League in 1993 — is experiencing a strong start in the current league season under the guidance of their new coach, Roberto de Zerbi. The club has brought in several new signings over the summer, including Mason Greenwood, Neal Maupay, and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. Remaining unbeaten thus far, the nine-time champions sit just two points behind PSG after four matches, showcasing their strong momentum and determination to contend for the championship this season.
PSG and Marseille stand as the two prominent forces in French soccer, with a historic rivalry that spans many years. Their fiercely contested matches attract massive attention from football fans globally, and the atmosphere surrounding these encounters is always charged. The next clash between the two sides is scheduled for Oct. 27 in the most significant match of French soccer, known as Le Classique. This crucial fixture not only holds substantial weight in the league standings but also sparks passionate discussions among fans, marking it as a highlight event in the football calendar.
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