Agent Bruno Satin did not hesitate to criticize the mother and representative of the French international, who is set to join Marseille after a summer in which he rejected a contract renewal offer from Juventus and was linked to several clubs, without reaching an agreement with any of them.
After a five-year stint at Juventus, Adrien Rabiot is set to make a significant return to France by joining Olympique Marseille.
This move, which occurs after the new season has already kicked off, follows a tumultuous summer in which Rabiot turned down a contract renewal from Juventus and was linked to several top European clubs. However, despite various negotiations and rumors, the French midfielder ultimately failed to reach an agreement with any of these clubs, leaving him to secure his move back to Ligue 1.
Rabiot's decision to leave Juventus, a club where he enjoyed both individual and team success, has raised eyebrows, especially considering his consistent role in Massimiliano Allegri’s squad. His mother and agent, Veronique Rabiot, has once again come under scrutiny for the part she played in her son's career decisions, a role that has long been controversial. Known for her hands-on and sometimes overbearing approach, Veronique has been a central figure in Adrien’s career, but her involvement has also been a source of tension with various clubs and football executives.
This is not the first time Veronique Rabiot has faced criticism. Her demands in 2019 were instrumental in Adrien’s exit from Paris Saint-Germain, where he was developed as a youth player, and his subsequent move to Juventus. Now, the same issues seem to have resurfaced, with agent Bruno Satin publicly criticizing her influence on her son's career. Satin, a well-known figure in French football, didn’t hold back during an interview with RMC Sport.
"The Rabiot case is the result of the incompetence of the people who have accompanied him so far," Satin said, in a direct rebuke of Veronique’s management style. "He is represented by his mother, and this demonstrates how crucial it is to have professional guidance. If he were accompanied by a true professional, he would be in the European top 10."
Satin’s harsh words reflect a growing sentiment among some in the football world that Veronique's involvement has not allowed Adrien to fully maximize his potential. Despite his talent and the respect he commands as a player, many feel that his career could have reached even greater heights had he been guided by a more experienced agent capable of navigating the complexities of top-tier football negotiations.
Satin went on to reveal that Veronique’s management style had also been a stumbling block during negotiations with Atlético Madrid earlier this summer. According to Satin, the Spanish club had shown interest in signing Rabiot, but the deal fell through due to Veronique's difficult approach.
"I spoke with Atlético Madrid's sporting director at the end of July," Satin explained. "He told me, ‘I had two conversations with his mother and stopped because she was explaining to me where her son should play.’ She quickly exhausts all professionals; it’s unbearable." This revelation adds to the growing narrative that Veronique’s involvement is a double-edged sword: while she has been fiercely protective of her son, her uncompromising style has also alienated clubs that may have otherwise been willing to work with Rabiot.
Despite these challenges, Adrien Rabiot had a productive time at Juventus, winning a Serie A title, two Coppa Italia trophies, and a Supercoppa Italiana. Last season, he played 35 games, scoring five goals and providing three assists, proving himself as a reliable and versatile player in central midfield. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively made him an integral part of Juventus’ setup, and many expected him to continue his upward trajectory with a new contract in Turin or a move to another European giant.
Now, however, Rabiot is preparing to join a Marseille team that is eager to challenge at the top of Ligue 1, despite missing out on European competition this season. After four matches, Marseille sits in second place, just two points behind league leaders Paris Saint-Germain, Rabiot's former club. Marseille, under the leadership of coach Marcelino, has ambitions to return to the Champions League next season, and Rabiot's experience and quality could prove vital in achieving that goal.
His return to Ligue 1 represents both a homecoming and a fresh start. Rabiot will be expected to bring stability and creativity to Marseille’s midfield, and if he can replicate his Juventus form in France, he could become a key figure in their push for domestic success. However, the question remains: will his mother’s continued involvement hinder or help his progress at this crucial stage of his career?
For now, Marseille fans are hopeful that Rabiot’s talent will shine through and that the team can capitalize on his experience and skills as they seek to challenge PSG's dominance. As for Veronique’s role, it remains to be seen whether her management will continue to be a topic of debate in her son's career or if Rabiot will finally be able to silence the critics and prove himself as one of Europe’s elite midfielders.