Liverpool reportedly rejected the ‘exceptional’ midfielder’s wage demands, according to Fabrizio Romano

According to Fabrizio Romano, a Liverpool summer transfer target effectively priced himself out of a Premier League move, leading to the club’s late transfer activities.

Federico Chiesa’s £12.5 million acquisition was Liverpool’s sole signing for the season, while Giorgi Mamardashvili remained at Valencia and will join Liverpool’s squad next summer.

Fans expressed strong desires for a defensive midfielder, a position the club also prioritized. Liverpool’s efforts to secure Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad were unsuccessful, and they chose not to pursue other options.

Liverpool did consider signing a free agent, but that deal fell through, with the player opting for a move to France despite interest from several English clubs.

Why Liverpool Wanted Adrien Rabiot

Liverpool explored the possibility of acquiring French midfielder Adrien Rabiot, who chose not to renew his contract with Juventus, making him available on a free transfer.

It has since been confirmed that Rabiot signed with Marseille. The club announced on their website: “Olympique de Marseille announces that it has reached an agreement in principle with Adrien Rabiot for the arrival of the French international midfielder at the club. The player will sign with OM subject to the result of the medical examination.”

Rabiot typically plays further forward but has experience as a defensive midfielder, similar to Ryan Gravenberch in terms of versatility.

Former Juventus striker David Trezeguet praised Rabiot as an “extraordinary player” in comments to Football Italia.

While Rabiot could have added depth to Liverpool’s midfield, Ryan Gravenberch has been excelling in the number six role, recently delivering a man-of-the-match performance on his Champions League debut for the club.

Romano Explains Why Liverpool Did Not Sign Rabiot

Fabrizio Romano informed CaughtOffside that Rabiot did not join the Premier League due to his high wage demands, which both Liverpool and Manchester United were unwilling to meet. Reports indicated he wanted to be the second highest-paid player at Liverpool, following Mohamed Salah.

Romano stated: “There were big, very big proposals from Turkey and Saudi, but he only wanted to play in one of the European top leagues. The Premier League was his dream, but his salary requests were considered too expensive. OM have been excellent at working behind the scenes and getting it done for a reduced salary, convincing Rabiot of their project.”