Rabiot Snubs AC Milan: Marseille Midfielder Turns Down Allegri and Serie A Reunion

Adrien Rabiot Rejects San Siro Return to Stay in Marseille and Focus on Champions League Ambitions

In an era where footballers often chase the biggest paychecks or the most glamorous stage, Adrien Rabiot has taken a different path. The French international has reportedly turned down a high-profile opportunity to return to Serie A with AC Milan, instead choosing to remain at Marseille and continue working under Roberto De Zerbi.

The decision, first reported by French outlet Footmercato, has sent ripples through both France and Italy. Not just because of the clubs involved, but because of the story behind the move — or lack thereof. Milan, now led by Massimiliano Allegri following his return to the San Siro dugout, had been keen on bringing Rabiot back to Italy as a central piece in his midfield rebuild. But the 30-year-old midfielder has other ideas.

Allegri Wanted Rabiot Back in Serie A

Rabiot and Allegri go back a few years. The Italian manager worked closely with the midfielder during his second spell at Juventus, which lasted from 2021 to 2024. During that time, the two shared both triumphs and setbacks — the high point coming in the 2023–24 season, when Juventus lifted the Coppa Italia after edging out Atalanta 1–0 in the final, courtesy of a Dusan Vlahovic strike.

It was no surprise, then, that Allegri wanted a familiar face to help ease his transition into a new chapter at AC Milan. Following Tijjani Reijnders’ transfer to Manchester City, Milan were left with a sizeable void in midfield — one that Allegri believed Rabiot could fill seamlessly.

The conversations reportedly happened. There was mutual respect. Rabiot, ever the professional, didn’t close the door entirely. In fact, he hinted in recent weeks that he wouldn’t rule out a reunion with his former coach. But when push came to shove, Marseille’s project — and his growing role in it — proved too compelling to walk away from.

Marseille, De Zerbi, and the Bigger Picture

It’s worth noting how far Marseille have come in such a short span. Roberto De Zerbi, one of Europe’s most exciting managerial appointments this summer, is assembling a squad capable of mixing it with the continent’s best — and Rabiot is now a central figure in that vision.

De Zerbi’s footballing philosophy, built on technical precision and positional fluidity, seems tailor-made for someone like Rabiot. The midfielder’s intelligence, tactical awareness, and ability to switch roles seamlessly between defensive and advanced positions make him an ideal fit in the Italian’s dynamic setup.

Add to that the return of Champions League football to the Stade Vélodrome, and you start to understand why Rabiot chose to stay. At 30, he still has plenty to offer and now finds himself part of a side that’s not just fighting for domestic glory but eager to make a deep run in Europe.

Milan Left Searching, Again

Rabiot and Marseille

For Milan, this is a setback — and perhaps a sign of the challenges Allegri faces in his new role. The club are attempting to rebuild and reassert themselves after an underwhelming 2024–25 campaign, one that lacked identity and consistency, especially in midfield.

Reijnders’ departure to Manchester City left a creative void that the Rossoneri hoped to fill with Rabiot’s experience and versatility. Now, with that door firmly closed, they must turn to alternative options in a tight summer market.

Reports suggest that Milan’s recruitment team is already exploring names from both Serie A and abroad, with links to the likes of Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana and Benfica’s Florentino Luis. But Rabiot was Allegri’s preferred choice — someone he trusted, someone who knew what was required to win.

A Career Reborn in France

AC Milan v Monza – Serie A

Rabiot’s time at Juventus had its ups and downs, but his move to Marseille appears to have reignited his career. He’s looked sharper, more involved, and more motivated since joining the club — a far cry from the inconsistent form that sometimes plagued his days in Turin.

Part of that may come down to the environment. At Marseille, Rabiot isn’t just another name in a squad filled with stars. He’s a leader — both on the pitch and in the dressing room. He carries experience and composure in a team filled with youth and flair, including fellow former Juventus man Arkadiusz Milik and new arrivals like Angel Gomes.

With De Zerbi at the helm, Rabiot’s responsibilities may increase even further. The Italian manager values players who can dictate tempo and control transitions, and he’ll likely look to Rabiot as a cornerstone in midfield — particularly in the high-stakes moments of Champions League matches.

Still in the France Frame?

At international level, Rabiot remains a steady, if unspectacular, presence in Didier Deschamps’ France squad. But with younger talents like Eduardo Camavinga and Warren Zaïre-Emery on the rise, every club performance now counts double.

A strong showing at Marseille — particularly under a high-profile manager and in Europe’s top competition — could help Rabiot hold onto his place in the national setup ahead of the 2026 World Cup. It’s no secret that Deschamps values players who perform consistently at the top level.

The Verdict: A Wise Call?

It’s easy to view Rabiot’s rejection of AC Milan through the lens of loyalty or sentiment, but this was, above all, a football decision. He chose the project that made the most sense for his career right now — a team on the rise, a manager with a clear philosophy, and a platform to perform on the biggest stage in Europe.

For Allegri and Milan, it’s back to the drawing board. But for Rabiot and Marseille, this is a signal of serious intent — and a commitment to something more than just status or nostalgia.