Adrien Rabiot returns to Juventus?

Adrien Rabiot’s future has taken an unexpected turn after a heated clash with teammate Jonathan Rowe at Marseille. Following the incident, the French club reportedly put the midfielder on the market, opening the door to fresh speculation.

Inevitably, Juventus fans began dreaming of a dramatic reunion with a player who wore the black and white shirt for five seasons. Just 14 months ago, Rabiot parted ways with Juventus, leaving on a free transfer after declining to renew his contract.

At the time, the Turin club moved swiftly to reinforce the midfield with Douglas Luiz, Thuram, and Koopmeiners, making his departure easier to digest. But with Douglas Luiz now leaving for a return to England, the narrative around Rabiot has shifted once again.

Adrien Rabiot 📸

From a transfer fee perspective, Rabiot could be considered a bargain. Reports suggest Marseille would accept around €15 million — a figure far below his market value considering his solid recent performances reports Il Bianconero.

For a club like Juventus, where budget efficiency matters, that’s an enticing prospect. However, the real obstacle lies in his salary. Rabiot currently earns €6 million per season, and there’s little indication he would accept less.

This would place him among the top earners at the club, alongside Jonathan David and just behind Dusan Vlahovic. For Juventus, balancing that financial commitment against other priorities makes the decision less straightforward.

Tactical fit: A boost or a red flag?

Under Igor Tudor, Juventus has leaned toward a double-pivot midfield system. Rabiot, versatile and physically dominant, has experience playing in a two-man setup. With Douglas Luiz gone, his arrival could bolster a department that now looks thin.

Adrien Rabiot 📸

Yet, pairing him with Thuram raises tactical questions. Both players share similar traits — high work rate, physicality, and the ability to cover large areas. While this could create a powerhouse midfield, it might lack the balance and creativity required to unlock compact defenses.

That said, Rabiot’s evolution into a more offensive threat could tilt the scales. At Marseille, he reached double digits in goals last season. During his final two years in Turin, he contributed 16 goals combined, proving his ability to support the attack.

For a Juventus side that often struggles to get goals from midfield, this attribute could be a game-changer. Additionally, his aerial presence would be a welcome asset. Juventus has struggled on set pieces, both defensively and offensively.

Adrien Rabiot 📸

Rabiot’s strength in the air could help turn a glaring weakness into a potential advantage. One undeniable advantage of a Rabiot return is his familiarity with the environment. Having spent five years in Turin and made over 200 appearances, he knows the club, the pressure, and the expectations.

He also grew into a leadership role during his final seasons — something this current Juventus squad could use, especially in high-stakes matches. However, history serves as a cautionary tale. Juventus reunions have rarely delivered the desired results.

From players returning past their prime to those unable to adapt to new tactical systems, the risks are clear. Rabiot’s return, while appealing on paper, carries the danger of repeating past disappointments.

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D.Z

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