Fiorentina will lose a ‘unique’ talent if Sofyan Amrabat seals his move to Premier League giants Manchester United, according to the Serie A club’s former director Oreste Cinquini.
In the space of just one year, Erik ten Hag, John Murtough and co have almost completely transformed Manchester United’s once-maligned midfield.
Goodbye ‘McFred’, and hello to a new-look engine room brimming with energy, athleticism, technical ability and creativity. Sofyan Amrabat, alongside Mason Mount and the emerging Kobbie Mainoo, would be another massive addition to Ten Hag’s steadily-improving squad; Alfredo Pedulla reporting that the Morocco international has now agreed a £75,000-a-week contract at Old Trafford.
Manchester United close in on Sofyan Amrabat
One of the most complete midfielders in the game, Amrabat is, perhaps, something of a ‘Fred 2.0’. A player who emulates the off-the-ball tenacity of the Brazilian, but brings far greater security in possession.
As former Fiorentina boss Cinquini tells Radio Firenze Viola, finding a replacement will be easier said than done.
“Replacing Amrabat won’t be easy,” says Cinquini. “The Moroccan has unique characteristics.”
Fiorentina signed former Liverpool loanee Arthur Melo from Juventus over the weekend, but Cinquini believes the Brazilian will not be a direct successor for Amrabat.
“I don’t see (Amrabat’s characteristics) in Arthur,” he adds. If the club’s will is to rest on Arthur, it means they want to change something in the midfield.”
MORE UNITED STORIES
“They need other players in the middle, if Amrabat leaves, it will leave a big hole.”
READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loans, releases, youth for 2023/24
Personal terms agreed
Man United may still need to find a buyer for Fred before they can stump up in excess of £20 million for Amrabat, although the departures of Anthony Elanga and Dean Henderson should free up funds in the meantime. Pedulla beleives teh Red Devils could stump up around £22 million, plus bonuses.
Pedulla adds that United have also agreed terms with Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund. And the smart money is on the Dane – rather than the Moroccan – becoming United’s third signing of the summer after Mount and Andre Onana.