Adrien Rabiot has extended a public invitation to Paul Pogba to join Olympique de Marseille, reigniting speculation about the future of the former France international. The Marseille midfielder, speaking after his team's 2-0 victory over Saint-Étienne on Sunday, made clear his enthusiasm for a potential reunion with Pogba, whom he briefly played alongside at Juventus.

'I would love to play with Paul,' Rabiot said on DAZN. 'We had the chance to be together at Juventus but didn't get many opportunities to play because he had a lot of setbacks. I was very disappointed about that.'

Rabiot's comments come amid heightened interest in Pogba's next move after his doping ban was reduced, allowing him to return to competitive football as early as March. Pogba, 31, has been training individually and is expected to seek a new club when his suspension ends.

The Rabiot-Pogba connection

Rabiot and Pogba share a history that dates back to their time together at Juventus during the 2022-23 season. However, injuries limited their minutes on the pitch together. Pogba underwent knee surgery in September 2022 and later suffered a thigh injury, appearing in only 10 games across all competitions for the Turin club. Rabiot, who joined Juventus in 2019, played a more consistent role but the pair never developed a strong on-field partnership.

Despite the limited playing time, Rabiot holds Pogba in high regard. 'He is a fantastic player and an even better person,' Rabiot added. 'We have kept in touch and I know he is eager to get back to playing. If he wants to come here, it would be with great pleasure.'

Marseille's ambitious project

Rabiot's move to Marseille in the summer of 2024 surprised many, given his Paris Saint-Germain roots. Yet he has quickly become a key figure in the team, helping them challenge for top honors in Ligue 1. In his interview, he defended the club's trajectory as a compelling destination for Pogba.

'We greatly invite him to come and play at OM,' Rabiot said. 'What we are building here is really very important. There is a real dynamic, it's very professional, from the players to the coach and the management. There is real ambition. If he wants to come, it's with great pleasure.'

Marseille have invested heavily in recent transfer windows, bringing in experienced players like Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and young talents like Elye Wahi. The club's project under manager Roberto De Zerbi has been praised for its attacking style and clear identity. Rabiot's presence adds both quality and experience to a midfield that already boasts creativity and grit.

Pogba's career crossroads

Paul Pogba's career has been marked by both triumph and turbulence. The World Cup winner with France in 2018 rose to fame at Juventus from 2012 to 2016 before a then-world-record transfer to Manchester United. His second stint at Old Trafford was plagued by injuries and inconsistent form, leading to a free transfer back to Juventus in 2022.

Injury problems continued at Juventus, and in August 2023, Pogba tested positive for testosterone, resulting in a provisional suspension. He was initially banned for four years but successfully appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which reduced the ban to 18 months. As a result, he will be eligible to play again in March 2025.

Pogba has been training at the Juventus training ground, though his contract with the Italian club is expected to be terminated by mutual consent. Several clubs have been linked with a move, including teams from Saudi Arabia and Turkey, but Rabiot's public invitation might sway the midfielder toward staying in Europe.

What would Pogba bring to Marseille?

If Pogba were to join Marseille, he would add a different dimension to an already talented midfield. His physicality, passing range, and ability to score from distance make him a unique threat. At his best, Pogba can dominate games, as he did during France's World Cup campaign and in his early Juventus years.

However, concerns about his fitness and consistency cannot be ignored. Since leaving Manchester United, Pogba has played only 213 minutes of competitive football. Marseille would be taking a calculated risk, but one that could pay off handsomely if Pogba rediscovers his form.

The Marseille fan base has already shown excitement about the possibility. Social media buzzed with reactions to Rabiot's comments, with many supporters welcoming the idea of a midfield pairing that also includes Højbjerg and the creative Amine Harit.

Rabiot's own journey

Adrien Rabiot's career has also seen its share of highs and lows. After emerging from PSG's academy, he became a key contributor for the Parisian club, winning multiple Ligue 1 titles. However, a contract dispute led to a strained relationship with PSG, and he left for Juventus in 2019 on a free transfer.

At Juventus, Rabiot matured into one of Serie A's most reliable midfielders, earning 48 caps for France. His decision to join Marseille shocked many, given the fierce rivalry between the two clubs. But Rabiot has embraced the challenge, becoming a leader both on and off the pitch.

His invitation to Pogba underscores the belief within the Marseille camp that they are building something special. 'This is a club with a lot of history and passion,' Rabiot said. 'We want to bring it back to the top, and players like Paul can help us achieve that.'

Potential obstacles

Despite Rabiot's warm words, several factors could complicate a move. Pogba's salary demands are likely high, and Marseille would need to balance their wage structure. Additionally, Pogba may prefer a move to a league with a lower intensity, such as the Saudi Pro League or Major League Soccer, where he could earn more money and face less physical demands.

There is also the question of playing time. Marseille currently have a crowded midfield, with players like Valentin Rongier, Geoffrey Kondogbia, and Pape Gueye competing for spots. Integrating Pogba would require careful management by De Zerbi to keep everyone motivated.

Nevertheless, Rabiot's public statement signals a desire to bring back a former France star to a club that is eager to restore its glory days. Olympique de Marseille last won the Ligue 1 title in 2010 and have consistently challenged but fallen short against Paris Saint-Germain's dominance. Adding a player of Pogba's pedigree could be a statement of intent.

The coming months will be crucial for both players. Rabiot continues to establish himself at Marseille, while Pogba works toward his return. Whether they end up sharing a midfield again remains to be seen, but for now, the invitation is out there, and the football world is watching.

Source: L'Équipe News