Manchester United is said to be one “stumbling block” away from signing Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot – but it’s his notorious agent and mother, Veronique.
Manchester United and Juventus have agreed on a fee for Adrien Rabiot, but his contentious mother remains a “stumbling block.”
After failing to persuade primary midfield target, Frenkie de Jong, to leave Barcelona, Old Trafford officials have made a move for Rabiot. According to the Manchester Evening News, Juventus has accepted their offer of £15 million, which could be increased to £20 million.
However, personal terms are yet to be agreed with the 27-year-old’s agent – Veronique Rabiot, his mum. She has a history of causing headaches for club chiefs and has had contact with United in the past.
Back in 2014, she tried to get them to sign her son, with a Premier League move an appealing prospect for them. The Red Devils didn’t bid for him, but have tracked his progress since then.
Veronique takes a very hands-on approach to her role and her reputation supersedes her. She once confronted then-PSG boss Laurent Blanc in a car park about Rabiot’s position in the squad.
And when France crashed out of Euro 2020 on penalties to Switzerland last year, a game in which Rabiot played, she took aim at the dad of Kylian Mbappe after he missed the decisive spot kick.
She is said to have yelled, “It’s embarrassing how he struck that for a player of his level.” He hit it too lightly, and I hope you will chastise him.
Veronique’s wrath has also been felt by Juventus since his free transfer in 2019. Rabiot, like his national team, has been in and out of the lineup.
The Old Lady is content to let him go with less than a year left on his contract. However, in order to complete the transfer, United must now overcome the “only stumbling block” left.
