It is being reported today that Paris Saint Germain’s Adrien Rabiot will not be joining Spanish giants Real Madrid and that has apparently opened up the door for us, Liverpool and Manchester United.
Rabiot’s contract expires at the end of the season and he will then be available on a free transfer, however, it is being reported that Real have decided to end their interest due to the high wage demands of the 24-year-old.
Real are not the only club said to have been put off by the player’s wage demands, Barcelona are also reported to have given up their interest for the same reason.
The midfielder has not played for the French champions since the beginning of December and his situation within the club has been described by PSG boss Thomas Tuchel as “impossible”
So, that is the basic background which brings me to the question, how likely is it that we sill sign Rabiot?
Well, if Real and Barca are baulking at his wage demands that does not bode well for us, not unless we lower our wage bill significantly.
No figures have been mentioned but you have to think it is as high or even higher than what we currently pay our highest earner, Mesut Ozil.
Rabiot would be a great addition, he is highly talented and for clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool and Man Utd to be interested in him then his quality is clearly recognised but it would seem that he is overvaluing himself if clubs are walking away from negotiations.
Rabiot is still young and therefore if he is unable to land a deal that matches his wage demands he will have no choice but to lower those demands if he wants to further his career and that is when real interest in him will step up.
I would say that right now it is unlikely we will be able to sign him but that could easily change, especially if we qualify for the Champions League and lower our wage bill in the summer.