French midfielder Adrien Rabiot could join Marseille as a free agent

French international midfielder Adrien Rabiot will join Ligue 1 club Marseille after agreeing a deal in principle. The 29-year-old, who became a free agent after leaving Juventus in July, will return to his home country subject to passing a medical. Rabiot, capped 48 times for France, enjoyed a successful five years in Italy, where he won a Serie A title, two Coppa Italia trophies and a Supercoppa Italiana during his time at Juventus.

The midfielder has long been admired by Manchester United, with interest in Rabiot dating back to the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer era. Current United manager Erik ten Hag has also reportedly been keen on bringing Rabiot to Old Trafford, with the player having been linked with the club on several occasions. Premier League clubs have continued to monitor his situation, but no concrete move has materialised.

In recent weeks, despite the arrival of Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain to Manchester United on transfer deadline day, Rabiot remained a potential target. However, a return to Juventus has been ruled out, with both the player and his mother having ruled out the possibility.

OM, currently second in Ligue 1 under new coach Roberto de Zerbi, will welcome Rabiot to an already impressive summer signing list that includes high-profile recruits such as Mason Greenwood, Neal Maupay and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg. Rabiot’s arrival is expected to further strengthen the club’s midfield in their quest for domestic and European success.

“Olympique de Marseille announces that it has reached an agreement in principle with Adrien Rabiot for the arrival of the French international midfielder at the club,” Marseille confirmed in an official statement. “The player will sign with OM subject to the results of the medical examination.”

Rabiot’s return to Ligue 1 marks a return to his roots, having spent the early years of his career at Paris Saint-Germain, where he made his first-team debut. After a brief stint at Manchester City’s youth academy, he became a key figure at PSG before joining Juventus in 2019.

Rabiot was also part of France’s Euro 2024 squad, playing a key role in the tournament before the team’s semi-final exit at the hands of eventual champions Spain.