Marseille List Adrien Rabiot and Jonathan Rowe for Transfer After Dressing Room Clash

Olympique Marseille have announced that Adrien Rabiot and Jonathan Rowe are both available for transfer, ending their time with the club following a physical altercation after their recent defeat to Rennes.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Following Marseille’s 1-0 loss to Rennes on Friday, Rabiot and Rowe were involved in a fight in the dressing room. Reports state that Rabiot, frustrated by Rowe’s performance, accused his teammate of lacking commitment. The argument quickly became physical, with Rowe reportedly slapping Rabiot. The situation required manager Roberto De Zerbi and technical director Medhi Benatia to intervene. After reviewing the incident, Marseille released a statement making it clear that both players’ actions were unacceptable and in violation of the club’s internal code of conduct. The decision was made in agreement with the technical staff, and both players were officially placed on the transfer list and expelled from the first team squad on Monday. They have until September 1 to find new clubs.

WHY THIS MATTERS FOR MARSEILLE

This incident comes just after the start of the Ligue 1 season. Last season, Marseille finished in second place, qualifying for this season’s Champions League, and they are now under pressure to improve. Adrien Rabiot, 30, joined from Juventus last year and contributed nine goals in 20 league games, being one of the team’s best players and the squad’s highest earner. Jonathan Rowe, 22, joined from Norwich City and made 30 appearances in all competitions, netting three times. Their departure removes two important squad members, just as the squad looks to regroup and compete for a higher league finish. Notably, Marseille has been focusing on strengthening the squad, highlighting their need for improvement as they prepare for both domestic and continental play.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Marseille must now move forward without Rabiot and Rowe and will seek to finalize transfers for both players before the transfer window closes on September 1. Rabiot is reportedly attracting interest from former club Juventus and Inter Milan, as well as several Premier League sides. Rowe is on the radar of English clubs like Sunderland and Leeds United. Marseille return to action this Saturday, facing newly promoted Paris FC at home. After one matchday, Marseille is looking to recover from an early setback and keep pace, with the squad now lighter and uncertainty over how the club will replace both players’ roles in the months ahead.