Romano: Why Liverpool Refused Midfielder’s Wage Demands | OneFootball

Liverpool Refused Rabiot’s Salary Demands in Summer Transfer Window

Liverpool’s summer transfer window raised a few eyebrows, particularly given their decision to walk away from signing French midfielder Adrien Rabiot. According to Caught Offside and renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the reason Liverpool opted against bringing in the Juventus star was due to his hefty wage demands, which neither Liverpool nor Manchester United were prepared to meet.

Liverpool had been in search of midfield reinforcements throughout the summer. Fans had clamoured for the signing of a defensive midfielder, and while the club had initially targeted Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, that pursuit also fell through. Eventually, Liverpool decided not to look for further alternatives in that position. The absence of a key defensive midfielder remains a sore point for many supporters, despite some strong individual performances.

Why Rabiot Was an Attractive Option

Adrien Rabiot, at 29, was seen as an experienced and versatile option. Having chosen not to renew his contract with Juventus, he became available on a free transfer, making him an attractive proposition for clubs needing midfield depth. Former Juventus striker David Trezeguet once hailed Rabiot as an “extraordinary player,” with his ability to operate as a number six or further forward.

Liverpool, having prioritised a defensive midfielder, saw Rabiot as someone who could add flexibility to their squad, much like Ryan Gravenberch, who has recently impressed in the number six role. However, financial considerations quickly came to the fore. Reports indicate that Rabiot wanted to be the second-highest-paid player at the club, behind only Mohamed Salah – a demand that Liverpool were not willing to meet.

Photo: IMAGO

Romano on Why Liverpool Passed on Rabiot

Fabrizio Romano has provided further clarity on the situation, explaining that Rabiot’s salary demands proved too high. “There were big, very big proposals from Turkey and Saudi, but he only wanted to play in one of the European top leagues,” Romano said. While Rabiot had dreams of joining the Premier League, it was clear that his wage demands were a stumbling block. Instead, Marseille swooped in, convincing the Frenchman to join their project on a reduced salary.

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool’s refusal to meet Rabiot’s wage expectations highlights their commitment to maintaining a balanced wage structure, particularly with the financial constraints brought about by previous big-money deals. Still, some fans may feel disappointed that the club did not secure a more prominent midfield signing to bolster their ranks.

Alternatives and Current Midfield Options

Despite missing out on Rabiot and Zubimendi, Liverpool did manage to sign Federico Chiesa for £12.5 million – though the Italian winger is yet to make his mark in the Premier League. Giorgi Mamardashvili, another key target, remains at Valencia until next summer, leaving the club with limited immediate reinforcement options.

Photo: IMAGO

That said, Ryan Gravenberch has been a standout performer for the Reds in the absence of a new defensive midfielder. The Dutchman delivered a man-of-the-match display on his Champions League debut, raising hopes that he could adequately fill the void in Liverpool’s midfield for the time being.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

It’s understandable why many are left wondering what might have been had the club secured Adrien Rabiot. While his wage demands were clearly a deterrent, the need for depth and quality in the defensive midfield role remains an issue. For a club with ambitions to challenge for multiple honours, walking away from a player with Rabiot’s pedigree might feel like a missed opportunity.

On the other hand, some fans will argue that Liverpool’s decision to stand firm on wage structures is a sensible one. The last thing the club needs is to destabilise their financial model, particularly when Salah’s wages have already set a high bar. In an era of increasingly inflated salaries, Liverpool’s restraint may serve them well in the long term, even if it means missing out on top targets in the short term.

Nevertheless, the underlying concern remains: is Gravenberch enough to carry the load in a crucial position, especially with injuries and the inevitable demands of a long season ahead? While he’s shown promise, Liverpool supporters will be keeping a close eye on his performances, wondering whether the club’s refusal to splash out on Rabiot was a wise move.

Only time will tell whether this gamble pays off, but one thing is clear: Liverpool cannot afford to leave any gaps in their squad if they are serious about competing at the highest level.