After signing Mason Mount, Rasmus Hojlund, and Andre Onana, Manchester United have reportedly set their sights on signing Moroccan midfielder Sofyan Ambrabat. Amrabat displayed great potential as a midfield single-pivot in the Qatar World Cup and might prove to be a good partner for Casemiro in the heart of the United midfield.
The Red Devils finished third in the Premier League, and won the Carabao Cup, but lost the FA Cup final to Manchester City last campaign. Dutch manager Erik Ten Hag had an impactful debut season in England. The club did suffer in some aspects, especially creativity, and stability in midfield.
🚨 Manchester United agreed personal terms with Sofyan Amrabat a month ago.
(Source: @DiMarzio) pic.twitter.com/Vfp3YVoQIl
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) August 15, 2023
Erik Ten Hag has found a solution to the creativity aspect by signing Mason Mount and looks to have found the answer to the stability upfront. Sofyan Ambrabat has been linked to Manchester for a permanent move from Fiorentina. The departure of Fred to Fenerbache, and a possible exit of Scott McTominay are hinting towards a move for Amrabat.
Sofyan Amrabat started his career at the Dutch club Utrecht, then moved to Feyenoord on a four-year deal. After Feyenoord, he had spells with Club Brugge and Hellas Verona before he joined Fiorentina in 2020. In Florence, he became an integral part of the club’s midfield and helped them qualify for Europe two seasons in a row.
In the previous campaign, he was the key player that led Fiorentina to the Coppa Italia and Europa Conference League final. The performances caught the eyes of Manchester United. After consistent interest, they agreed personal terms with the player for a deal in the summer.
Manchester Utd have Sofyan Amrabat in their list as reported in June — no news on deal being closed. 🔴🇲🇦
No official bid sent yet as deal will not be closed this week.
Priority new striker — then outgoings as can confirm again that Fred will leave.
…then, midfielder talks. pic.twitter.com/3tBihuoIrE
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 24, 2023
A transfer fee is left to be agreed with Fiorentina, and it could be around $40 million. There were many clubs interested in signing Amrabat, and LaLiga champions Barcelona were one of them.
FC Barcelona were interested in signing Sofyan Amrabat until Lionel Messi’s move to the MLS
Before the announcement of the departure of Lionel Messi to Inter Miami. All Barcelona and Lionel Messi fans were hoping for the king to return for a last dance, but that did not happen. What many people were unaware of was that Barcelona wanted to sign Sofyan Ambrabat along with Messi.
The Blaugrana club wanted Amrabat to replace Sergio Busquets, and complement Pedr and Gavi. Ambrabat was also inclined towards the move but in the end, Xavi opted to sign Gundagon and not him.
Amrabat to Barcelona is ruled out.
— @gerardromero pic.twitter.com/79SkTr0pbm
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) June 20, 2023
Sofyan Ambrabat is a defensive midfielder who has the ability to control and dictate the game. One of his prized abilities is the quality to press and win the ball back. On the ball, Amrabat is excellent in transitions and can link up play with the attack to provide a different dimension.
It will be interesting to see how Manchester United utilize him when they sign him. The transfer though depends on several departures, but for sure Erik Ten Hag wants him to wear the United red.