Jonathan Rowe’s chapter with Olympique Marseille is drawing to a close after a confrontation with the acclaimed French international player, Adrien Rabiot.
Rowe’s transfer to Marseille from Norwich City occurred last summer, yet he’s experienced challenges in adapting under the management of Roberto De Zerbi, formerly of Brighton and Hove Albion.
Information obtained by FourFourTwo suggests that the former Canary is on the verge of joining Bologna, an Italian Serie A team, through a definitive transfer valued at £17 million. Norwich is expected to gain financially from a sell-on agreement incorporated into the initial agreement that moved him from Carrow Road to Stade Velodrome a year prior.
Ex-Norwich City man Jonathan Rowe to seal move after dressing room bust-up
The disagreement between Rowe and Rabiot occurred following their recent loss to Stade Rennais, despite the latter playing with only 10 men. Allegedly, Rowe struck Rabiot, a six-time champion in Ligue 1, after which the event escalated into ‘a no-holds-barred altercation’.
Following this, the club officially listed both players for transfer because their actions were considered ‘inappropriate,’ a decision communicated through a public statement.
According to AFP, OM president Pablo Longoria characterized the situation involving Rowe and Rabiot as “an occurrence of significant severity and aggression, an unparalleled event”.
“This choice is intended to safeguard the organization and the current season. Roberto De Zerbi’s coaching experience spans 13 years, [sporting director] Mehdi Benatia has been involved in elite football since the age of 22, and I myself have been a professional in football for two decades.
“Our collective expertise allows us to confidently state that we have never witnessed such an incident within a team’s dressing room,” Longoria further mentioned.
Rowe was a key player for England’s U21 team during the summer’s European Championships. He participated in all six matches and came off the bench to score the decisive extra-time goal against Germany in the final, securing the Young Lions’ victory.
The 22-year-old has played in 31 games for Marseille in all competitions, netting three goals and setting up four others.
He has been in the starting lineup for the French team on only seven occasions.
