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Wednesday, August 20, 2025

Marseille place Adrien Rabiot, Jonathan Rowe on transfer list after dressing room altercation

Marseille’s manager, Roberto De Zerbi, told both players that they will not play for the club again.

• August 19, 2025
Adrien Rabiot and Jonathan Rowe
Adrien Rabiot and Jonathan Rowe (Credit: L’Équipe)

Olympique de Marseille have placed France international midfielder Adrien Rabiot and England youth international winger Jonathan Rowe on the transfer list after the pair were involved in a heated dressing room clash.

The pair clashed in the dressing room following their Ligue 1 opener defeat to Stade Rennes on the opening weekend of the 2025/26 season, with reports claiming Rowe slapped Rabiot during the altercation.

On Tuesday, the club released an official statement confirming that both players have been placed on the transfer list. They have until September 1 to secure moves to new teams, as the club views their actions as unprofessional. The club emphasised that both players must find new clubs by the deadline.

The club statement said, “Olympique de Marseille announces that Adrien Rabiot and Jonathan Rowe have been put on the transfer list by the club.

“This decision was made because of unacceptable behaviour in the dressing room after the match against Stade Rennais FC, in agreement with the technical staff and in line with the club’s internal conduct rules. The decision was told to the two players on Monday.”

Marseille’s manager, Roberto De Zerbi, told both players that they will not play for the club again.

He also expressed frustration with Rabiot’s attitude during pre-season, despite Rabiot being the team’s best player last season, having played 2,483 minutes and contributed 13 goals and assists, and being the club’s highest earner.

Adrien Rabiot, who has one year left on his contract, is getting interest from his former club Juventus and Inter Milan, as well as some Premier League teams.

Jonathan Rowe, who moved from Norwich to France a year ago, has scored only three goals and three assists since joining the French side. Still has options in England with Sunderland and Leeds United, as well as ongoing talks with Italian club Bologna.

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