Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen is backing the signing of Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat with the Premier League giants keen on a potential £30 million deal.
The Red Devils know all about the potential pitfalls of the so-called ‘World Cup signing’.
But it’s testament to the consistently excellent performances of Sofyan Amrabat – not just for Morocco but for Fiorentina too – that no one is really fearing a repeat of that Kleberson situation as Manchester United edge ever closer to signing a ‘world-class’, remarkably well-rounded midfield player who, if things had worked out differently, could have reunited with his former Utrecht coach Erik ten Hag back in January.
“He’s a good player. He had a fantastic World Cup,” Meulensteen, former assistant Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford, tells talkSPORT (3 August, 10am).
“He brings something different to the team, which United needs.”
Manchester United close in on Sofyan Amrabat
Amrabat, according to Italian reporter Alfredo Pedulla, has already agreed personal terms with United. Fiorentina are ready to accept a fee in the region of £30 million.
Ten Hag is under pressure to find a buyer for the likes of Fred and/or Donny van de Beek before United can take the negotiations to the next level, however; Financial Fair Play restrictions meaning patience will be required.
There is still a quiet confidence that Amrabat will be wearing United red before September 1st, however.
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And Meulensteen is excited to see what Ten Hag can achieve after building a squad in his own image at Old Trafford. Amrabat will become United’s fourth big-money addition of a potentially transformative summer, after Mason Mount, Andre Onana and new £64 million striker Rasmus Hojlund.
“Erik is really building his side now with the goalkeeping Onana and Mason Mount,” Meulensteen adds. “And obviously the striker Hojlund.”
Intermediaries working on the Amrabat deal were reportedly in England this week for talks with Man United.