Juventus rejected an Adrien Rabiot-Lucas Digne swap deal with Everton.
Carlo Ancelotti is a huge admirer of French midfielder Adrien Rabiot. Back at PSG, owing to his sharp rise, Ancelotti promoted him to the first team in 2012-13 season. The Italian had recognized the immense potential in Rabiot and gave him chances to showcase on the highest stage.
Eight years later, Ancelotti was trying to bring the Frenchman to Everton. A lot has gone by in these eight years. Rabiot revolted against PSG and was deserted for almost six months leaving him without match practice. Juventus came in and signed him on a free transfer in the summer of 2019 but the midfielder failed to impress in his first season in Turin.
The desolation at PSG and his attitude didn’t paint a good picture in the eyes of followers and pundits. Regardless, Ancelotti was keen to reunite with Rabiot in a hope that he can bring the Frenchman’s career back on track. Then Toffees were in desperate need to strengthen their midfield and Rabiot was one of the very first targets that Marcel Brands and Ancelotti were looking at.
According to Calciomercato, Everton even proposed a swap deal in the summer that would have seen the Toffees get Rabiot while sending his compatriot Lucas Digne in the opposite direction. Bianconeri rejected the proposal even though their midfielder was out of favour under then coach Maurizio Sarri.
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Rabiot has now become one of the key players under Andrea Pirlo with the Juve coach a big fan of Rabiot’s work. Ancelotti was ready to sacrifice one of the biggest assets of the Everton side to bring the 25 year old to Goodison. This showed how far was the three time Champions League winning coach willing to go for the Juventus midfielder.
Would it have been worth sending Digne to Juve for Rabiot?
Under any circumstances, on any given day, Never. Digne has clearly shown why he stands out as one of the best left backs in the English Top Flight. His attacking intent and delicious crosses in the middle of the box are a coach’s dream.
Juventus rejected the swap deal not because they had their doubts for Digne but because they believed in Rabiot. Juventus director, Fabio Paratici, also poured cold water on Everton’s intentions by putting a full stop on Rabiot’s potential transfer out of Turin by stating that it was his first year in Italy and he was adjusting to the new style.
The Royal Blues would have made a huge mistake had they pushed with an exchange that included Digne.