Medhi Benatia reveals constant Rabiot transfer inquiries amid Juventus interest

Marseille have placed Adrien Rabiot and Jonathan Rowe on the transfer list following a serious altercation in the dressing room after their 1–0 defeat to Rennes on Friday.

The club described the incident as “unacceptable behaviour” and confirmed that both players have been excluded from first-team training. Manager Roberto De Zerbi stated that neither will play for the club again.

According to reports, Rabiot accused Rowe of lacking commitment, leading to a heated exchange that escalated into a physical confrontation in front of the entire squad.

Marseille president Pablo Longoria condemned the incident as “extremely violent” and “unprecedented,” emphasizing that it crossed all acceptable boundaries within a football club.

Amine Gouiri celebrating his goal with his teammate Adrien Rabiot of Marseille during the France Ligue 1 match between Paris Saint-Germain FC and…

Sporting director Mehdi Benatia expressed his shock at the situation, highlighting Rabiot’s previous leadership role and the team’s high expectations for the season. He stated that the club had received numerous inquiries about both players since the incident.

“We’ve made the decision. So today, I think… even the lawyer, whom we consulted a bit on Tuesday, clearly said that today they are considered on the transfer list. So there’s no concern. We will find an agreement or not, but in any case, today there was never the possibility of going back,” he said.

“The only thing I can say is that they are two high-level players, one a bit younger and one already very, very established. And since Tuesday, when all this happened, the phone hasn’t stopped ringing.

“I believe his phone as well, as ours, so I don’t think we’ll have difficulty finding, in any case, a top-level club that will be very happy to welcome Adrien and a good club that will also be happy to take Jonathan Rowe, perhaps giving him more space, or at least more playing time, and help him grow. Knowing that he is also, for me, a great football prospect.”

Rabiot, 30, has been a key figure for Marseille since his arrival from Juventus, contributing significantly to the team’s performance last season. Despite the incident, he remains a sought-after player with multiple clubs expected to express interest in acquiring him.

Adrien Rabiot of Juventus celebrates the victory at the end of the Coppa Italia Final match between Atalanta BC and Juventus FC at Olimpico Stadium…

Juventus are among those reportedly considering a reunion with the French midfielder. Additionally, Serie A clubs Inter Milan and AS Roma have been linked with potential moves for Rabiot.

Marseille are reportedly seeking a transfer fee of around €15 million for Rabiot. His contract with the club runs until June 2026, and despite the recent disciplinary issues, he remains a sought-after talent in European football.

Both players are now expected to leave Marseille before the transfer window closes, with discussions ongoing regarding potential destinations. Further updates are anticipated in the coming days.