Reported Liverpool transfer target Adrien Rabiot has admitted that he’d love to play in England.
Rabiot is currently away seeking World Cup glory with France. But once he returns to Juventus after the tournament, his future needs resolving. Out of contract in the summer, the 27-year-old has been linked to a whole host of teams, including Liverpool.
But now, as per The Athletic, Rabiot has put his cards on the table. Having experienced English football for a brief time in the Manchester City academy, he wants to come back for more. There’s no mystery in these comments; the Frenchman is clear about where he sees himself playing.
“It was very good experience [playing the Man City academy]. I didn’t do a whole season, though,” he said. “Everything went well while I was there. I really liked the atmosphere. It’s really something that is only in England. It’s different from France and Italy.
“I have always said that I’d like to play in England in my career, I still have that desire. I’d like to evolve in the Premier League.
“I haven’t got a Premier League team in mind right now, I haven’t chosen a team or anything. It’s a general thing. It’s the league, it’s the level of play that’s going on, that’s what attracts me most. It corresponds to my qualities.”
Rabiot not out of the question for Liverpool
At the beginning of the World Cup, a move for Rabiot would have been a big fat “No” from most Liverpool fans.
But it’s undeniable that the Juve midfielder’s stock has risen during the tournament. An undisputed starter for Didier Deschamps, he has pulled the strings impressively for Les Bleus.
To many, that won’t change anything. Rabiot is famously high maintenance and is likely to come with eye-watering wage demands.
Given that he could be available for free though, perhaps he’s genuinely worth exploring for Liverpool. Calciomercatoweb claimed just last month that the Reds are doing exactly that.
Desperately in need of midfield reinforcements and preparing to spend big on Jude Bellingham, Jurgen Klopp needs some budget options.
With his salary in mind, perhaps Rabiot cannot be considered as that. Maybe a short-term deal could appeal, though. The player is obviously keen and he could add something to the squad. If he applies himself as he has been doing for France, Liverpool could do far worse.
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