Mercato – Salary, performance and contract: Adrien Rabiot, essential but salable to Juve

In Italy, the « pagelle » are an ancestral tradition. Each day after a match, these « report cards » are scrupulously scrutinized and spied on in the daily newspapers, both sports and general. By the tifosi, of course, ready to attack their author in case of disagreement (as often). But also by the main concerned, certainly more discreet in their reading but just as attentive, to the point that certain relatives do not hesitate, sometimes, to contact the daily in question.

Since his arrival at Juve in the summer of 2019, Adrien Rabiot has not escaped the often pungent comments from transalpine journalists. Jumble: « We do not know what it is for (…) Simply useless » sign The Gazzetta dello Sport after the elimination against Villarreal in the Champions League, « one step forward, two back (…) The Ghost version of Rabiot is back“after a draw against Bologna in April, or even”still imprecise » for Tuttosport during the victory in Sassuolo a fortnight ago.

However, it would be unfair to summarize Rabiot’s season with these few virulent comments. With three quarters of the matches played this season as a starter, the French midfielder is one of Massimiliano Allegri’s trusted men. He even delivered more than convincing performances on several occasions, in particular during the shock loss against Inter in early April. « It’s finally the real Rabiot« , noted the Corriere della Sera. The Gazzetta dello Sport even felt that he had been the best of his own, thus giving him the highest rating with a 7/10. Important clarification: in La Botte, the average is given from 6/10. In a Juve which managed to save its season by winning a qualification for the next edition of the C1, despite an unexciting game which makes a large part of the tifosi cringe, the former midfielder of PSG alternated the good and the less good. Light in some matches, then shadow in others.

« You saw the « real » Rabiot, I just lacked a bit of continuity and consistencyhe admitted in an interview with DAZN a few days ago. I always give everything I have on the pitch, but it’s difficult to maintain this level in all matches. The performance against Inter was of a very high standard, like other more recent ones. I have to repeat them every weekend and that’s the hardest thing. » Despite the consideration of his coach, however, his future is uncertain.

Salary too high for performance

At a time when his club has decided to reduce its payroll, currently the highest in Serie A with 102 million euros net, Rabiot’s emoluments are doing the job. According to the transalpine press, the French international currently receives Juve’s third highest salary with 7 million euros net per season, tied with newcomer Dusan Vlahovic. In total, the Bianconeri have twelve players with a minimum salary of five million per season. Too much.

Paulo Dybala will also leave next summer, as will Aaron Ramsey, the man with 8,800 euros per minute played, on loan to Rangers since last January but invited to definitely pack his bags as soon as possible. Behind the scenes, the Piedmontese leaders negotiate almost all downward contract extensions. And concerning that of Rabiot, whose lease expires next year, discussions currently seem to be at a standstill.

According to Italian media, Juve would like to monetize Rabiot’s departure next summer. « It’s his last chance to do it« , recalled Tuttosport the last days. Indeed, the “Duke” will be free to negotiate with another club from January 2023.”And his entourage would probably like to bet on this option« , confirmed The Gazzetta dello Sport last week. « For now, he is good at Juventus even if the Italian journalists want Adrien to leave“, retorted his mother and agent in the columns of West France.

For the local press, several English clubs would be in his footsteps. « One thing is certain: he earns too much for what he has brought so far“, estimated the pink daily in February. In 43 matches this season, the native of Saint-Maurice (Val-de-Marne) has delivered only two assists. And the “goals scored” box is still blank. player of his caliber is too little.

“It has a different engine from the others”

In the different systems used by Max Allegri this season (4-4-2, 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1…), Rabiot has always found a place in the middle. He is also announced as a starter for the Italian Cup final against Inter Milan on Wednesday evening at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. « When I was young, I played more advanced, like a number 10he recalled to DAZN. Today, I prefer to have more space in front of me and start from further away. Anyone who thinks I’m an offensive player is wrong. I’m a number 6 or 8, not 10. I know that here in Italy you pay attention to the number of goals scored, but it’s not an obsession for me, nor a vocation. The consideration of the « Mister »? I progressed a lot with him, it’s important a trainer who challenges you and doesn’t hesitate to shake you up. »

Several times this season, Rabiot has thus transformed into a coconut tree that Max Allegri had fun waving, as during his first press conference last summer after the announcement of his return. « He must score at least ten goals given his quality« , he said. Before putting on a layer in early November: « He has to do a lot more« . But the Tuscan coach didn’t just use the hard way.

« He is a strong player, he explained before the trip to Cagliari last month. He also knows how to multiply the efforts and the races. It has a different engine from the others. That’s why he’s better when we play two in the middle. Then there are also matches where we go to three and he is a little less good (…) Against Inter, he had a very good match technically, playing a lot of vertical balls and I think he will be able to improve further in the future.” It remains to be seen whether he will register in Piedmont … or elsewhere.