Fiorentina are already preparing for Sofyan Amrabat’s potential £25 million move to Premier League giants Manchester United with a replacement lined up.
It has been clear for some time that, until Manchester United can free up funds by selling a number of Erik ten Hag’s fringe players, one of their leading midfield targets will not be on his way to Old Trafford.
The good news, however, is that United appear to be making progress on a number of high-profile departures. Harry Maguire’s move to West Ham will add £30 million to Erik ten Hag’s budget.
Both Fred and Donny Van de Beek are expected to depart too; Fabrizio Romano all-but confirming that new £64 million centre-forward Rasmus Hojlund will be inheriting the Brazilian’s number 17 shirt next season.
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Sofyan Amrabat deal likely for Manchester United
Sofyan Amrabat is, for all intents and purposes, a Fred replacement. An upgrade, too. The Morocco international – who’s ‘world-class’ performances saw the Atlas Lions become the African first side ever to reach a World Cup semi-final in Qatar – combines Fred’s industry and aggression with the poise and the passing range of a far more cultured midfield player.
According to Fiorentina-specialist website Viola News, Amrabat has ‘an agreement’ to join Mason Mount, Andre Onana and the aforementioned Hojlund in England’s north west.
And while United are yet to turn their interest into an official offer, Fiorentina are leaving nothing for chance. The Conference League runners-up are already ‘hunting a replacement’. They opened talks with Bologna for Nicolas Dominguez in the last few days.
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Fiorentina preparing for Amrabat exit
Amrabat’s representatives were reportedly in talks with Man United in England last week. Speculation over his future went into overdrive on Saturday too, a player who worked under Erik ten Hag briefly at FC Utrecht conspicuous by his absence as Fiorentina lost 2-0 to Newcastle United in a pre-season friendly.
“Amrabat has been well talked about. He had an unbelievable World Cup,” former United defender David May said on The Webby & O’Neill Youtube Channel.
“He would be the perfect age for us. He’s approaching his prime. He’s not expensive either. If we can offload a couple, then he’d be the addition that I’d like to see.”