Manchester United, bolstered by the recent acquisition of Mason Mount, are now turning their attention to secure a powerhouse for their midfield. The Red Devils are reportedly closing in on Fiorentina's Sofyan Amrabat, a player who has demonstrated his ability to shine on the global stage.
Sofyan Amrabat, dubbed the "Mbappe stopper" during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, is viewed as a potential key addition to the Manchester United line-up. Known for his exceptional athleticism and high intensity playstyle, the Moroccan is seen as an ideal fit for the physicality of the English Premier League.
"I believe it could suit me. The intensity is very high, so I think it could suit me," Amrabat said, hinting at his interest in joining the English league.
While football pundit Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the Red Devils had agreed to personal terms with Amrabat, he revealed that a formal approach to Fiorentina was still pending. This has given rise to speculation, fueled by the player's consistent remarks about the prospect of playing in England or Spain.
With Amrabat proving his worth in the World Cup by topping the charts in terms of distance covered (59.3km) and ball recoveries, he has caught the attention of Man Utd's manager Erik ten Hag. His impressive stats, combined with his World Cup heroics, particularly his last-ditch tackle on French superstar Kylian Mbappe, have earned him accolades and the "Mbappe stopper" moniker.
However, there's a twist in the tale. Joe Barone, the CEO of Fiorentina, recently dismissed rumors of any approach from Manchester United for the 26-year-old. He maintained that Fiorentina would consider any potential move only after receiving a concrete offer.
Fiorentina CEO Barone on Man United rumours for Sofyan Amrabat: “We have not received any bid or proposal for him at all”. #MUFC #transfers
“He’s Fiorentina player now. If an offer comes, we will consider it”. pic.twitter.com/MMNhKDtp7g — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 3, 2023
Despite this, the speculation continues to mount. The idea of pairing Amrabat with Casemiro to fortify Manchester United's defense has stirred excitement among fans.
Romano, in his column for Caught Offside, commented that although the price tag for Amrabat is speculated to be around €30m (£26m), Fiorentina might ask for a higher amount.
The midfielder's brother, Nordin, confirmed that Erik ten Hag, Man Utd's manager, was a long-time admirer of Amrabat, dating back to their days at FC Utrecht. "I know that Ten Hag is charmed by my brother," he said, sparking optimism among fans for a potential move.
As Man Utd continue their summer transfer pursuits with a £120m budget amidst a drawn-out takeover process, the acquisition of Amrabat could signal a significant step forward in bolstering their midfield. The saga of this potential high-stakes transfer continues, with all eyes on Manchester United's next move.
