Marseille have placed Adrien Rabiot and Jonathan Rowe on the transfer list after a dressing room bust-up led to their suspension. Manager Roberto De Zerbi, questioning Rabiot’s commitment, is keen to part ways with the French midfielder, while Rowe also faces uncertain future. Both players are now facing an exit after just one season.
Marseille’s already turbulent start to the Ligue 1 season has taken another dramatic turn, with manager Roberto De Zerbi taking decisive action against Adrien Rabiot and Jonathan Rowe following a dressing room altercation. The duo, who were involved in the club’s disappointing 1-0 loss to 10-man Rennes, have been handed suspensions, and both are now reportedly on their way out of the club.
Rabiot, who joined Marseille on a free transfer last summer, has not been able to make the desired impact. Despite his experience at the highest level, including with France in the World Cup, manager De Zerbi has reportedly questioned the midfielder’s commitment to the team. This has led to the decision to place Rabiot, along with Rowe, on the transfer list, as revealed in an official statement from the club.
The decision to suspend both players came shortly after their disciplinary breach following the Rennes defeat, which was a crucial early-season blow for Marseille. Reports suggest that the players’ poor conduct during the match and the fallout afterward left the coaching staff with little choice but to take stern action. Rowe, another player with significant potential but lacking consistent form, now faces an uncertain future at the club as well.
Marseille’s handling of the situation has been swift. The club’s official statement declared that both Rabiot and Rowe’s actions were in violation of the club’s internal code of conduct. This stern stance is a clear indication from De Zerbi that Marseille will not tolerate such behavior, regardless of the players’ stature or previous achievements.
As for Rabiot, the situation has escalated, with reports from RTL confirming that De Zerbi wants the Frenchman out of the club before the transfer window closes. Rabiot’s mother and agent, Veronique, was reportedly informed about the suspension, and further communication from the club indicated that the midfielder’s future at Marseille is now in serious doubt.
With the transfer window still open, Marseille could be looking to offload both players quickly. For Rabiot, a potential move away from Ligue 1 may be on the cards, while Rowe, who still holds promise, could attract interest from clubs looking to add depth to their attacking options.
Marseille, meanwhile, will be looking to bounce back from their opening defeat when they face Paris FC on August 23. A win will be vital for De Zerbi, who now has to manage a squad in turmoil, with two key players suspended and the team under pressure after a poor start to the season. The next few weeks will be critical in determining both the club’s season and the futures of Rabiot and Rowe.
