In a recent print edition, Le Figaro (via Sport Witness) claimed that Newcastle United could move in for Adrien Rabiot this month. It has been mentioned that the Magpies would have to rival Manchester United in the race to land the France international on a free transfer this summer.
Rabiot’s Impressive Form In Serie A Last Season
The 29-year-old had a decent campaign at Juventus recently as he managed to put in a run of consistent displays for them in the middle of the park. Rabiot found the back of the net five times and picked up three assists in 35 matches for the Turin club last season in multiple competitions.
The French midfield ace was a positive influence at both ends of the field in the previous campaign based on his average of 1.9 tackles, 0.8 interceptions, 0.9 clearances, 1.2 shots, 0.8 key passes and 0.9 dribbles per 90 minutes in Serie A. He was even tidy when distributing the ball from midfield after completing 84.4% of his attempted passes in the Italian top tier (stats via whoscored).
At the moment, Rabiot is a free agent which makes him an affordable option for the Magpies to pursue this month.
What Will Rabiot Bring To Newcastle United?
Rabiot loves a tackle and can make some important interceptions for his team inside his half. He usually puts his foot through the ball when needed and can even make some decent plays for others around him in the opponent’s half.
The French talent can strike the ball well from long range and is a strong runner with it from midfield. He is primarily a box-to-box midfielder but can also operate as a left-sided wide player or as a defensive midfielder if asked to do so by his manager.
We can expect Rabiot to bring more quality and depth to Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe’s midfield department. He is good enough to challenge for a regular first-team spot at St. James’ Park this season.
At 29, Rabiot is still in his prime and could help the Magpies compete across all fronts over the next few years. Therefore, the Tyneside club should go all out to recruit the French talent on a free transfer soon.
