Liverpool Explored Move for Midfield Free Agent Adrien Rabiot

Liverpool’s summer transfer window may have concluded with just two signings but reports from Gazzetta in Italy suggest that the Reds considered making a move for free agent Adrien Rabiot. Despite their limited activity, this revelation indicates that Liverpool’s recruitment strategy might have been more varied than first thought.

Liverpool’s Summer Business and Missed Targets

Liverpool’s summer window was characterized by minimal incoming deals. Federico Chiesa arrived from Juventus for a reported €12 million, while Giorgi Mamardashvili will officially join next summer. However, much of the business revolved around player sales, with Richard Hughes and the recruitment team generating over £70 million from the exits of Fabio Carvalho, Sepp van den Berg, and Bobby Clark.

While the primary focus was securing a defensive midfielder, with Martin Zubimendi being their top target, Liverpool ultimately failed to reinforce this area of the squad. However, according to Gazzetta, Zubimendi wasn’t the only midfielder on their radar. The Reds also explored the possibility of bringing in Adrien Rabiot, who became a free agent after his contract with Juventus expired.

Rabiot’s Desire for Premier League Football

As Gazzetta reports, “Adrien has always dreamed of the Premier League, and at 29 years old, the decision on his future could be the last useful one to measure himself with English football.”

The France international made 212 appearances for Juventus, demonstrating his versatility and consistency in midfield. Given that Rabiot would not require a transfer fee, the financial appeal of such a deal seemed obvious. His status as a free agent allowed clubs, including Liverpool, to consider the prospect of signing him without the need for negotiations with a club.

Why Liverpool Passed on the Opportunity

Despite the appeal of a financially reasonable deal for Rabiot, Liverpool opted not to pursue the midfielder further. The Frenchman had reportedly set high expectations, with a clear desire to join a club participating in the Champions League, which likely limited his options. As Gazzetta mentioned, “He has always publicly set the stake of participation in the Champions League, almost to screen the suitors.”

While Liverpool had made clear they would act if the right opportunity arose, as seen in their acquisition of Chiesa, it appears that Rabiot didn’t fit into the long-term vision for the team. The decision to pass on Rabiot could indicate that the club remains focused on younger, more dynamic midfielders who align with the squad’s long-term objectives.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

The news of Adrien Rabiot being a potential signing certainly raises some questions. Rabiot is a talented and experienced midfielder, but at 29, would he have been the right fit for a squad undergoing a refresh? While his addition on a free transfer might have seemed like a shrewd move, it’s understandable that the club decided to pass on him, given their preference for younger, more versatile midfield options.

Liverpool’s failure to secure a top defensive midfielder, despite their well-documented pursuit of Zubimendi, does leave a gap in the squad. However, the emergence of players like Ryan Gravenberch, who has been impressive in the deeper midfield role, may have reduced the urgency for such a signing. Additionally, with Rabiot’s wage demands and desire for Champions League football, it’s possible that a deal would have disrupted the balance Liverpool is trying to maintain within its wage structure.

Fans may also feel that passing on Rabiot aligns with the club’s strategy of building a younger core of players. While the Frenchman’s experience is undeniable, Liverpool is in a phase of rejuvenation, looking to develop talents who can contribute for years to come. Rabiot, while a solid short-term solution, might not have provided the long-term impact the club is seeking.

The January window may offer further opportunities to address the squad’s needs, and Rabiot’s future remains uncertain. However, for now, Liverpool appears content to rely on their existing midfield options, even as fans continue to debate whether more reinforcements are needed.