Adrien Rabiot’s long-term future at Juventus has all the makings of a soap opera that has been dragging on for years. Nothing will change this summer as the Frenchman’s indecisiveness on his allegiance to Bianconeri continues to cause headaches to the club hierarchy.
Juventus chiefs might have a sense of deja vu as the summer transfer window looms larger. Like last year, Rabiot is jangling the board’s nerves, keeping everyone in suspense, even though time has become a sensitive factor. It’s a carbon copy of developments that tested fans’ patience at the end of the 2022/23 season.
Memorable Last Season
Rabiot has only a few months left to run on his contract after almost reluctantly putting pen to paper on a short-term extension last summer. Juventus went above and beyond to tie the midfielder down to a new deal following an impressive campaign in 2023.
The 29-year-old went from strength to strength last season, establishing himself as the team’s driving force in the midfield. An eye-catching tally of 11 goals and six assists across 48 appearances clinical performances in the final third during 2022/23. Such numbers compelled Juventus to hand him a new contract.
Year of Decline
Whether it’s been due to Juventus’ disappointing team performance or his indispensable status, Rabiot has come nowhere near last season’s standards in 2023/24. In 29 matches this term, he has amassed only four goals and three assists – a significant markdown on 2022/23’s outstanding numbers.
Sporadic injuries might have plagued his momentum, but there’s no doubt he has lost his touch. Numbers can sometimes paint a false picture. But in Rabiot’s case, the figures are the accurate reflection of his drop-off. Scoring isn’t among the mandatory skills for a midfielder. Hold-up plays and creating chances are.
Rabiot struggled in both aspects.
Awkward Development
While Rabiot’s form dwindled, his influence in the dressing room has been on the opposite trajectory. Perhaps owing to his previous achievements, Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri has named the ex-Paris Saint-Germain ace a vice-captain.
That doesn’t make much sense, especially considering Rabiot has refused to commit his long-term to the Allianz Stadium. Allegri’s actions might have been part of Juventus’ plan to convince their star to sign a contract extension. So far, Rabiot has been radio silent.
Notorious Reputation
As the famous saying goes – once is an accident, twice is a coincidence, three times is a pattern. Rabiot has a habit of bullying the clubs in contract talks. That reputation precedes him since his beginnings at the Parc des Princes.
He and his mother-agent Veronique gained notoriety for the unscrupulous techniques they used while negotiating terms with PSG. Veronique eventually forced Les Parisiens to set her son loose on a free transfer, allowing Juventus to swoop in and onboard him without spending a dime.
However, history likes to repeat itself, as Juventus fell victim to the Rabiot family’s perfidy last summer. Veronique most likely failed to arrange Adrien’s switch elsewhere before her son agreed to extend his deal in Turin.
As the expiry date of that agreement approaches, extension talks are at square one. It seems like Juventus should prepare for another turbulent period.
Time to End This Charade
First of all, no one is irreplaceable. Perhaps Lionel Messi, but that’s not important. With all due respect to Rabiot’s qualities, he’s not a player Juventus would be unable to replace. But there’s a much more significant aspect.
The Italian heavyweights must pay attention to their image. Despite their recent downfall, Juventus are still one of the most famous and decorated clubs in world football. If they’re to uphold that reputation, they can’t let any individual push them around.
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