Manchester United remain in pursuit of Sofyan Amrabat and one Fiorentina ace is hoping that an agreement can be reached with the Premier League giants before next week’s transfer deadline.
While this is not quite a saga as drawn-out as that of Wesley Sneijder or Frenkie de Jong, for example, it’s fair to say few expected Sofyan Amrabat to find himself in this position heading into the final few days of August.
According to 90Min, Fiorentina and Manchester United have agreed on a £29 million fee. Personal terms were also rubber stamped ages ago. But Amrabat finds himself locked in limbo; United under pressure to sell a Donny Van de Beek or a Scott McTominay in order to free up the funds required.
Man United’s Sofyan Amrabat deal not done yet
Amrabat was outstanding for club and country in 2022/23. He was Morocco’s star man in their stirring run to the World Cup semi-finals, and arguably the best player on the pitch in the Conference League final defeat to West Ham United.
Former Italy international Antonio di Gennaro, however, believes that – with Amrabat’s heart clearly set on a move elsewhere – the best case scenario would be a parting of the ways.
“The player had expressed his willingness to leave in January. I think there’s still time (to sell him), even if maybe there’s only Manchester United,” Di Gennaro tells Firenze Viola, adding that new recruit Arthur Melo could actually represent an upgrade in the Fiorentina engine room.
“He could stay. However, he does not verticalise (Fiorentina’s play) and does not score. Arthur, on the other hand, represents a different type of footballer.
“Now we will see how Amrabat and the club approach these final days of the transfer market. An acceleration will be needed also from the agent.
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“I hope that the situation can be resolved, otherwise it could create some problems in the locker room. If he stayed in Florence, it would be hard for him. It’s not a good situation for him.
“I would never buy a player like Amrabat if I were a manager.”
A Ten Hag reunion could still happen
Fortunately for the Amrabat, his former Utrecht coach Erik ten Hag does not appear to share Di Gennaro’s view that the midfielder’s talents have been overblown. Despite discussions over Amadou Onana and Bayern Munich’s Ryan Gravenberch, Amrabat still appears United’s most likely outfield addition before the window closes.