Manchester United may be set to lose Brazilian midfielder Fred, but it has emerged that talks have taken place to bring in a superb replacement.
That’s according to German journalist, Florian Plettenberg, who claims that ‘first talks have taken place’ between United and Italian side Fiorentina for the Moroccan midfielder, Sofyan Amrabat.
The midfielder was rumoured to be of interest to United back in January, but United didn’t move forward as they just wanted a midfielder on loan, whereas the Italian club wanted a full sale.
As a result, United brought in Austrian midfielder Marcel Sabitzer from Bayern Munich on loan. It now seems that United are interested in reigniting their interest in the 26-year-old midfielder who excelled in the World Cup.
He could become a ‘hot topic’ later in the window
Plettenberg goes on to claim that, despite the deal not being advanced, it could become a hot topic for United later in the summer transfer window.
United may be in the market for a more defensive-minded midfielder, with rumours continuing to circulate that Fred could be leaving Old Trafford, with clubs from Saudi Arabia reportedly interested. Scott Mctominay is also rumoured to be up for sale by United – although they are less inclined to lose the Scottish midfielder.
With United investing £55 million in Mason Mount, £40-£45 million for goalkeeper Andre Onana, and, potentially, a further £50 million for Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund, the Red Devils need to sell to buy.
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What would Amrabat bring?
Amrabat was key for Morroco as the African nation stunned Portugal and Spain on their way to the World Cup semi-final, before being eventually defeated by Kylian Mbappe’s France.
Amrabat’s stock rose considerably following this and was linked with Barcelona and United. As well as this, the 26-year-old was superb in the UEFA Europa Conference League final game against West Ham, despite suffering a defeat, Amrabat was very impressive.
The midfielder, who would bring that bite and steel into the midfield, could represent a more than suitable deputy for Casemiro, in the event the Brazilian gets injured or suspended.
Looking at FBREF, the Moroccan excels in passing. With an 88% pass completion rate and an average of 7 progressive passes per 90 minutes, he could be a superb addition to a midfield that lacks the composure on the ball that Amrabat would bring.