Manchester United have reportedly been offered the chance by Fiorentina to sign Sofyan Amrabat this summer.
The Red Devils have announced the arrival of Mason Mount from Chelsea—their first signing of the summer transfer window. The England international has penned an initial five-year deal with an option for another year. With Fred and Donny Van de Beek linked with potential exits this summer, Erik ten Hag is open to pursuing a second midfielder ahead of the Mancunian club’s return to the Champions League.
According to 90min, Manchester United are set to rival Atletico Madrid for the signing of Sofyan Amrabat, who is valued at around £30m by Fiorentina.
Amrabat, 26, caught the eye as one of Morocco’s best players in their dream run to the semi-finals at the 2022 World Cup. The defensive midfielder then helped Fiorentina reach the finals of the Coppa Italia and Europa Conference League, though ultimately fell short of success in both cup competitions.
Atletico Madrid are feeling confident of finalising a deal for the 26-year-old, however critically have not agreed a fee with Fiorentina, which has in turn given Man United a chance to make an offer, the report adds.
Sofyan Amrabat to Manchester United—Smart signing?
Manchester United have bolstered their midfield with the signing of Mason Mount from Chelsea. However, they could yet look to reinforce further back in the area too.
Casemiro transformed the Red Devils’ midfield after joining from Real Madrid last summer, but other options like Fred and Scott McTominay are being linked with exits. At 31, Christian Eriksen is not the player he once was in his prime and doesn’t offer much defensively, while Man United would not stand in Donny Van de Beek’s way of an exit if an appropriate offer arrives.
Thus, Erik ten Hag needs to restock his midfield further. To address that, Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat has emerged as a potential target for Ten Hag. The United boss knows Amrabat well having worked together at Dutch club FC Utrecht, which is a prime reason for his interest in bringing the player to Old Trafford.
A defensive midfielder by trade, Amrabat could join the Red Devils as an understudy to Casemiro, who is into his 30s. He can also play as a No.8, and due to his stamina, work rate and ball-winning skills, the Moroccan international should be an instant upgrade on Eriksen in United’s engine room. The 26-year-old is a technically sound player who would add guile and graft to the Red Devils’ midfield unit.
There is no doubting Amrabat’s quality, and it would be great for United to add another player with a top work ethic and personality after Mount. For just £30 million, the Moroccan would be a magnificent addition to Ten Hag’s ranks at Old Trafford this summer. But there have to be movement out of the club in the coming weeks that allow the Fiorentina star’s acquisition, with Ten Hag currently prioritising a goalkeeper and striker.
