ClapWith the transfer window now wide open, a whole host of players are being strongly linked with powerhouse clubs. Some are expected to have prominent transfer sagas as the window drags on.
One of these players is Adrien Rabiot- the Paris Saint-Germain man who has been the centre of controversy and attention over the last many months.
The Frenchman had refused to sign a new deal at the Parc des Princes, with his current deal running out this summer. Clubs like Juventus, Barcelona, Tottenham and Manchester United have been heavily linked with a move for the midfielder, but fresh reports state that he seems keen on signing a new deal at PSG.
That is the impact that Leonardo has brought at the club, as he seems set to rejoin PSG as the club’s sporting director to replace Antero Henrique. Before joining AC Milan last summer, Leonardo was the man who discovered Rabiot during his previous stint at the Parisien club and still has a very amicable relationship with the player’s mother-agent Veronique.
The lure of having Leonardo run the club has had a big impact on Rabiot as he had fallen out with Henrique to a point where he was publicly criticised in the press. The pampered man Rabiot is because of his over-protective mother, he has been dictated things instead of being told to make his own decisions.
It seems as though PSG might be the right club for him too, even though Man Utd have been heavily linked and see him as a replacement for Ander Herrera. Juventus and Barcelona seem to have backed away because of his wage demands and because Barca have already signed Frenkie de Jong, but the financial package that United might offer will be good enough.
But PSG aren’t a club in as much trouble as United. Their decision to hand Thomas Tuchel a new deal shows their intent and the fact that they have a plan to go forward. United don’t and it isn’t helping any of their attacking players- not even Paul Pogba. The lack of leadership at the club is leading to players dictating terms to the club and getting away with nasty things. It isn’t a stable or a good environment for anyone to develop themselves. Not yet.
Juventus might have been a very good option- a better one than PSG, but they seem to have backed out.
PSG are never lacking ambition. They did get knocked out of the UEFA Champions League in the Round of 16 by United themselves, but Tuchel’s extension means that the team hasn’t pushed the reset button again at the wrong time. The players know the system and will develop in it. So will Rabiot- who did well before the controversy blew over around new year.
The club have been lacking midfield cover since last summer and with the permanent departure of Giovani lo Celso to Real Betis, they are lacking it even more. Rabiot possesses a lot of quality and having been at the club from a young age, he would make a good decision in staying.
