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Adrien Rabiot has refused to be drawn on his future following his contract expiry with Juventus as the 29-year-old midfielder is solely “focused on the European Championship with my national team”, despite long-standing links with a move to Manchester United.
The Frenchman helped his country progress through to the quarter-final stage of Euro 2024 yesterday after France beat Belgium 1-0 in Düsseldorf. The following match saw Portugal creep past a plucky Slovenia side on penalties, with United captain Bruno Fernandes coolly slotting home his spot kick in the shootout.
The two victories sets up a mouth-watering quarter-final tie between France and Portugal on Friday at the Volksparkstadion where Rabiot and Fernandes will face-off against each other in midfield.
Yet, given United’s long-term interest, and the fact the 29-year-old’s contract with Juventus expired on Monday, the French international may be set to share a midfield with his Portuguese counterpart next season as reports suggest Old Trafford executives have designated Rabiot a “priority target”.
The Red Devils were believed to have been close to signing Rabiot in the summer of 2022 – Erik ten Hag’s first transfer window at the helm at Old Trafford.
These links then resurfaced last summer, as Rabiot’s contract was set to expire once again, only for a last-minute contract extension to be agreed with the Old Lady for him to remain in Turin. This situation has not repeated itself this summer, however, despite Juventus making efforts to get their midfielder to sign a new deal.
A report relayed from Italy by The Peoples Person revealed there is a “distance between [Rabiot] and the club” despite the offer of a two-year contract worth €7.5 million a year.
And when asked about his contract expiring in Italy following France’s victory yesterday, Rabiot was bullish in his reply. “The renewal with Juve? I don’t know what will happen but I don’t feel like talking about this. Say something to the fans? I think they’ve understood that I’m focused on the European Championship with my national team and that we’ll see what happens after that. My focus is 100% here, then obviously I’m always in contact with the club. If I’m not under contract, I’m no longer a Juventus player,” the Frenchman stated.
The fact Rabiot contends he is “always in contact” with Juventus suggests the possibility of a further renewal is likely, but his wording does not betray someone who is set on remaining where he is.
A recent report revealed the midfielder was, in fact, “waiting for Manchester United” and this had caused contract negotiations with Juventus to falter.
This appears a potential avenue United will be able to explore, with great success, should they choose to. And in a summer where finances are going to be tight at Old Trafford, a seasoned French international with years of experience at the highest level of European football, on a free, may be an opportunity too good to pass up.
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