The mother and formidable agent of Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot has publicly accused Olympique de Marseille of staggering "double standards" in the summer transfer market.
Veronique Rabiot's fiery comments came in response to the Ligue 1 club's intense pursuit of Manchester United's Mason Greenwood, a player whose off-field controversies have been widely documented. She suggested the club's moral compass appeared flexible when it came to different transfer targets.
"There is a double standard," Veronique stated unequivocally to French media. "They are capable of breaking the bank for certain players, yet for Adrien, who represents a guarantee of quality and professionalism, they hesitate."
The outburst exposes the internal friction and financial strategising behind the scenes at Marseille. The club's president, Pablo Longoria, was reportedly keen on signing the French international Rabiot, but the proposed financial terms of the deal allegedly fell short of expectations.
This perceived slight was then thrown into sharp relief by Marseille's simultaneous and very public efforts to secure a deal for Greenwood, who is available for transfer after a controversial period away from United.
Veronique Rabiot, known for her fiercely protective and shrewd negotiation style, did not hold back in her assessment. Her remarks imply that while her son's proven track record and clean image were not enough to prompt a major financial commitment, the club appeared ready to invest significantly in a player carrying substantial baggage.
The public nature of this accusation is a bold move, highlighting the cut-throat and often personal nature of football negotiations. It paints Marseille's hierarchy as inconsistent and raises questions about their transfer policy and the values they prioritise when building a squad.
For now, Adrien Rabiot remains a key player for Juventus, while Marseille's pursuit of Greenwood continues to make headlines for both sporting and non-sporting reasons.
