West Ham United transfer target Adrien Rabiot makes decision as announcement made today
West Ham United have missed out on the signing of midfielder Adrien Rabiot as he has confirmed his move to Marseille.
The 29-year-old was a free agent following the expiry of his contract at Juventus and the Hammers registered their interest [L’Equipe] after the squad deadline for European competition had passed.
Carlos Soler joined the Irons on a season-long loan from Paris Saint-Germain on Deadline Day after James Ward-Prowse moved to Nottingham Forest for the season.
However, whether or not United’s interest in Rabiot was still there, the Frenchman has now elected to continue his career in his homeland with Marseille.
Marseille confirmed the news in an official statement and announcement video posted via their X account [17 September].
West Ham United get lucky escape with Adrien Rabiot
Tim Steidten was a busy man throughout the summer transfer window, providing Lopetegui with 10 new additions for his maiden campaign with the Hammers.
While the Irons chief was meticulous in his transfer approach focusing on additions that would strengthen the starting lineup, not just the squad, a move for Rabiot would have been a step closer to overkill.
The Frenchman was linked with several top European sides following the expiration of his contract. No such move materialised, which begs the question of why a player deemed worthy of representing one of Europe’s elite found himself scrambling for a new club after the deadline.
His wage demands proved to be a significant stumbling block that even put off some of the world’s richest clubs. Steidten made the right choice in not pursuing his initial interest in a player with no experience in England and no guarantee he would be a success in the Premier League.
Lopetegui also sanctioned the controversial decision to allow Ward-Prowse to leave [Kevin Nolan]. He is widely known as one of the best set-piece takers in football and came off the back of a season in which he contributed seven goals and seven assists in the Premier League under David Moyes.
West Ham supporters should be relieved that this saga is now settled. However, after a start of one win in four matches for Lopetegui and the club seemingly still shopping around for new additions after a busy summer, the warning signs are starting to appear at the London Stadium.
In other West Ham news, Oumar Solet puts clubs on red alert as the Hammers chase £12m-rated free agent.
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