Why Man Utd are the favourites to sign Rabiot

Robin Bairner

• 19 Dec 2022 07:44 GMT
• 3 min read

Manchester United’s prospects of landing France World Cup star Adrien Rabiot look positive, according to a report from The Mirror.

Rabiot was one of France’s most impressive performers at Qatar 2022, with the former PSG midfielder playing a key role as Les Bleus made it to the final before losing on penalties after a 3-3 draw against Argentina in the final.

He was linked with a move to Old Trafford last summer, but turned down the opportunity to play at Erik ten Hag’s side. It was a decision that he has been slow to show regret for, but there is a sense that his thoughts on the matter might have changed.

A report in the Mirror states that his preference is a move to the Premier League ahead of options in Spain, where Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are thought to be interested in him.

Rabiot set to leave Juventus

Rabiot certainly looks likely to be on the move – if not during the January transfer window, then certainly in the summer of 2023.

The 27-year-old is out of contract with Juventus at the end of the season and will be available as a free agent at that point.

Given the uncertainty over the club’s future with allegations of financial mismanagement looming over Juve, which could result in significant economic and sporting penalties, the prospect of Rabiot leaving appears to be a very strong one indeed.

He is a player who has split opinion during his career because of his apparently aloof attitude, while Veronique Rabiot, his mother and agent, has made headlines for being a tough negotiator.

Rabiot’s performances with France in Qatar, though, were eye-catching and may have been enough to persuade a top club that he remains a player who could be of value during the peak years of his career.