Manchester United are ready to rival Barcelona for midfielder Sofyan Amrabat this summer as they reignite their interest in the Moroccan star.
Amrabat, who currently plays for Italian top-flight side Fiorentina, starred at the 2022 World Cup as Morocco defied expectations to reach the semi-finals and was expected to make a move in January as a 40m euro pricetag was slapped on his head.
However, no transfer materialised, with Manchester United opting to take Marcel Sabitzer on loan and Barcelona not signing anyone due to financial restrictions.
Morocco’s Sofyan Amrabat applauds the fans after the FIFA World Cup Group F match at the Al Thumama Stadium, Doha, Qatar. Picture date: Sunday November 27, 2022. 2KNCPWX Morocco’s Sofyan Amrabat applauds the fans after the FIFA World Cup Group F match at the Al Thumama Stadium, Doha, Qatar. Picture date: Sunday November 27, 2022. (Alamy Stock Photo)
However, Amrabat’s contract runs out next summer, meaning that this is the last chance for Fiorentina to extract a transfer fee for the 26-year-old, who almost joined Tottenham 18 months ago.
With La Viola looking to implement transfer plans of their own, they would likely accept less than 40m euros to let him go, rather than risk losing him for nothing in 12 months time.
As per Spanish outlet Sport, Barcelona remain keen on the midfielder and ‘The footballer’s priority is to dress as a Blaugrana from next season’, but their economic situation makes that a difficult move to complete and the Moroccan is ‘not prepared to wait forever’ for an answer.
A tough tackling midfielder, Amrabat would provide excellent cover for Casemiro at the base of Manchester United’s midfield, while at 26-years-old he could also be the Brazilian’s successor at Old Trafford.
He is not the only midfielder that the Red Devils are chasing, with the club currently locked in talks with Chelsea over Mason Mount, who has agreed personal terms over a switch to the club this summer.