Adrien Rabiot’s contract demands are likely to rule out Barcelona move

By Benjamin Barkworth | Jul 5, 2018

CAEN, FRANCE - MAY 19: Adrien Rabiot of Paris Saint Germain during the French League 1 match between Caen v Paris Saint Germain at the Stade Michel d Ornano on May 19, 2018 in Caen France (Photo by Erwin Spek/Soccrates/Getty Images) /

Adrien Rabiot’s time at PSG means he has high wage demands.

The 23-year-old’s contract at PSG is due to run out in 2019 with the two parties currently unable to come to an agreement. This has naturally got plenty of clubs interested due to his ability and room for growth. Barcelona are one of the clubs that have been linked as they aim to upgrade the midfield.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Rabiot asked for a 600,000 euros a month contract so that he is on the same as Marco Verratti, but PSG are unwilling to meet those demands. This provides an indication of the kind of fees required to bring him in. The interest from multiple clubs means that he can afford to keep his demands high especially if he becomes a free agent in 2019.

Barcelona do need to bring in midfield reinforcements because they struggled to control some of the big games in the Champions League last season. Lionel Messi often papered over the cracks with his stunning performances and ability to cover multiple roles in the squad. Andres Iniesta’s departure adds to that importance, although Philippe Coutinho will help fill that void.

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Thiago, Frenkie de Jong and Miralem Pjanic are just some of the names that have been linked with the Catalans this summer. It’s crucial that the board and Ernesto Valverde get this decision right because of the long-term implications it will have.

Andre Gomes was brought in two years ago to be Barcelona’s next big star, but he has been a major flop. The Portuguese international has struggled to deal with the high demands at the club, and looks likely to leave this summer.

Rabiot is unlikely to suffer a similar fate if he joins the club because of his experience with PSG domestically and in the Champions League as well as seeming to be a better fit for Barcelona. However, his wage demands are too high for the potential risk of the transfer. They need guaranteed quality for the wages he is likely to ask for, and he might not be able to match the standard required.

Thiago would be a better option unless Rabiot’s wage demands are significantly lowered. The Spanish international has a vast amount of experience in Barcelona’s style from his previous stint at the club after graduating through La Masia. He is older so he doesn’t offer as much in the long-term, but Barcelona can’t afford to take big risks.

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The Champions League drought has seen them win just one title in the last seven seasons. In that period, Real Madrid have won four which has helped overshadow Barcelona’s domestic dominance. The Catalans need to reassert their strength in that competition and get past the quarter-finals for the first time in four years. To achieve this big signings are required, so Thiago is much more suitable than Rabiot.