Jonathan Rowe, the England Under-21 Euros winner, has made a significant move to Serie A side Bologna after a tumultuous incident with his former Marseille team-mate Adrien Rabiot. The 22-year-old forward has signed a four-year deal, with Italian media reporting a transfer fee of 19.5 million euros (£16.8 million).

The Incident That Sparked the Transfer

The transfer follows a highly publicized altercation between Rowe and Rabiot during Marseille's opening Ligue 1 fixture against Rennes on August 15. The clash occurred at the end of the match, which Marseille lost 1-0. The incident was so severe that both players were subsequently transfer-listed by the club.

Roberto de Zerbi, the Marseille manager, described the fight as something he had "never seen in all my years in football." He admitted, "For the first time in my career, I didn't know what to say or what to do. I've never seen anything like it. I come from the streets, I'm used to fights, but I've never seen anything like this."

Rowe's Journey to Bologna

Rowe's move to Bologna marks a new chapter in his career. He initially joined Marseille on loan from Norwich in August 2024, before making the move permanent this summer. During his time at Marseille, Rowe scored three goals in 31 appearances.

Rowe's career highlights include scoring the winning goal for England in the Under-21 Euros final against Germany in June, securing England's second successive title. His performance in the tournament showcased his potential and made him a sought-after player in the transfer market.

Bologna's Ambitions

Bologna, on the other hand, is looking to strengthen its squad after a disappointing 1-0 loss to Roma in their opening Serie A match. The acquisition of Rowe is seen as a strategic move to bolster their attacking options and improve their performance in the league.

Related Topics

• Marseille
• Italian Serie A
• European Football
• Football Transfers

For more updates on football transfers, visit our dedicated page.

Published: April 12, 2024

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