Rabiot Resolution Approaches But Are Liverpool Out Of Luck?

The ever present “reports” suggest the Reds may have to look elsewhere.

There has been no shortage of noise in recent weeks involving Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Adrien Rabiot. In addition to the “Liverpool has made contact” stories and the “Liverpool have no interest” stories, we’ve heard indications from the player himself about his youthful admiration for the Reds and Anfield.

Rabiot’s contract status has been fueling a good portion of the speculation. The 23-year-old’s current obligation will terminate in the summer of 2019, and he has thus far rebuffed a number of proposals from his current employers, leading many to believe that Rabiot will look to ply his trade outside of France next season.

The most recent noises suggest, however, that Rabiot’s purported suitors waiting in the wings - rumored to include Juventus and Barcelona in addition to Liverpool - may have to look elsewhere. “Reports” from French, Spanish and other outlets, citing Canal Plus correspondent Olivier Tallaron, indicate that Rabiot and PSG are on the verge of agreeing to a contract extension in the region of three years. If true, it would almost certainly put an end to any approaches from the aforementioned suitors.

A key part of any such decision would be the understanding between Rabiot and manager Tom Tuchel regarding the midfielder’s role and importance. Uncertainty around that role was said to be the reason for the prior failures to get a new deal done. If Tuchel does value Rabiot’s services, it would be in PSG’s interest to wrap things up quickly in order to avoid the risk of losing the player for nothing next summer.

As for Liverpool, it remains to be seen whether and how Jürgen Klopp will seek to bolster his squad in January. One suspects much will depend on what the table looks like at that point, and on how the most recent arrivals settle, with Naby Keïta and Fabinho not quite fully integrated in the first choice XI yet.

Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com