Adrien Rabiot may not have left Qatar with the World Cup trophy — but his displays for France could well bolster his hopes of sealing a January move.
The Juventus ace, 27, was a key man for Les Blues, featuring in all but one game in the heart of midfield as they went within inches of defending their status as world champions.
Manchester United were keen on Rabiot last summer and his exploits for his country could well tempt Erik ten Hag to make a fresh attempt to land his signature.
With his contract in Turin expiring at the end of the season, we turn the spotlight on what is next for the midfielder.
An impressive turnaround
When United’s interest was first reported last summer, Rabiot had been something of a polarising figure since joining Juve in 2019.
Managing just six goals across his three seasons in Turin, many questioned whether he was capable of reinvigorating what was, at the time, a struggling midfield.
But fast forward four months and things look a lot different with Rabiot enjoying a superb season in Italy’s top flight.
The midfielder has started all 11 of Juve’s Serie A games so far, while rediscovering his threat in front of goal with five strikes and two assists to his name already in all competitions.
Fantastic for France
Rabiot arrived in Doha in a confident mood and with injuries to key men N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba, knew he would have a pivotal role to play for Didier Deschamps’ men.
And he continued to make an impact where it mattered for his country, providing a goal and an assist in a 4-1 opening-game win over Australia.
The playmaker remained a sure pick in the France XI from that point, with his all-action displays proving the perfect combination alongside the defensive-minded Aurelien Tchouameni and creator-in-chief Antoine Griezmann.
Illness prevented the 35-cap international from featuring in the semi-final against Morocco but he was immediately installed straight back into the XI after recovering in time for the showpiece versus Argentina.
Striker Olivier Giroud said of his team-mate: “We like him [Rabiot] a lot. He’s being himself, all smiles. He’s important on the pitch. I see he feels accomplished.
“For us, it’s great to have him available and in form, especially considering the absences we have in midfield.”
Manchester United moving in
United are said to still be keen on bringing Rabiot to Old Trafford, but his exploits for club and country mean they are now unlikely to be alone in their pursuit.
Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are two other reported suitors to emerge since World Cup’s conclusion, with the star’s availability on a free next summer making him an attractive option.
But it appears United will hold the advantage in the race for his signature, with Rabiot admitting he is keen on a move to the Premier League.
Of course, he knows the area well, having spent a brief time with Manchester City’s academy before going on to make his name at Paris Saint-Germain.
Speaking about his time in England, Rabiot said: “It was [a] very good experience. I didn’t do a whole season, though. Everything went well while I was there.
“I really liked the atmosphere. It’s really something that is only in England. It’s different from France and Italy.
“I have always said that I’d like to play in England in my career. I still have that desire. I’d like to evolve in the Premier League.”
Turin trouble
While Rabiot was lighting up Qatar, current club Juventus have been enduring a crisis back home.
Last month, the entirety of their board of directors — including president Andrea Agnelli and vice president Pavel Nedved — resigned amid allegations of false accounting.
It has led to the futures of many of their players being plunged into doubt, with Rabiot among those names as his contract edges closer to expiry.
While a summer exit looked likely, the troubles in Turin could well see Rabiot jump ship quicker than expected and force a January move.
The latest reports indicate Juve are eager to stop that from happening, though they could be powerless should United opt to make their move.
For all their improvements under Ten Hag this term, a deeper midfield partner to feature alongside Casemiro still looks to be an area in need of improvement.
Having showcased his capabilities to do just that in Qatar, the French star could be the perfect addition as the Dutch boss looks to seal the Red Devils’ return to the top four.