One agent has criticised Manchester United for attempting to insert a “disrespectful” contract clause that led to a 2023 summer transfer falling apart.
Manchester United holds a reputation as one of the most prestigious clubs in the world, meaning exploring a possible move to the North of England would be a dream for most players.
Twenty top-flight titles, including becoming Premier League champions on 13 occasions, and three-time Champions League winners, along with numerous other impressive accolades, describe the club’s impressive trophy collection. Enough to make a world-class player’s eyes widen.
After a failed move in 2022, the following year, a Juventus midfielder had such an opportunity. As he neared the end of his contract, the player and his agent began to explore a move away from Turin.
Despite the club qualifying for the Champions League, a feat the Reds did not manage under Erik ten Hag that year. In a recent interview, Adrien Rabiot’s agent revealed that wage disparities were at fault for the failed negotiation. A factor United were not willing to budge on.
Agent left fuming over “disrespectful” wage clause
While midfielder Rabiot was hopeful of joining the Reds ahead of the 2023/24 season, the deal ultimately failed when his agent, his mother Veronique Rabiot, and United’s representatives were unable to agree on the salary.
Now, two summers later, Veronique challenged United’s intent during transfer negotiations in an interview with L’Equipe, where she explained how the Reds tried to retain as much financial power as possible.
“We discussed the terms, and in the end, they said to me: ‘If we don’t qualify for the Champions League at the end of next season, Adrien’s salary will go down.’ I found that really over the top and very disrespectful.”
This, of course, is a very common clause that is inserted in every player’s contract at Old Trafford. United, who were struggling under Dutch manager Ten Hag, then failed to qualify for the Champions League after a disappointing league season.
“They thought it was a strategy to get more [money],” Veronique explained. “But no, it was a matter of principle, not money.”
Rabiot’s mother eventually walked away from contract talks, as the Frenchman was denied a dream move to England and Manchester United.
Amorim will be happy Rabiot’s talks broke down
Now playing at Marseille, Rabiot is a mainstay at the French club, having appeared 29 times last year and scored nine goals.
However, since the failed deal, United’s landscape has undergone a complete transformation. With a new manager and a completely new backroom team, the player may not be a good fit for the current tactical system.
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With influential players such as Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, and Casemiro in contention for a starting role in the midfield double-pivot next year, and United in the market for another central midfielder, it is hard to see how Rabiot fits into the pecking order.
The likelihood of the Frenchman starting over these names would be slim. With such a wage demand, United may have dodged a big financial bullet.
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