Manchester United are pursuing a deal for Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat – with Erik ten Hag’s relationship with the player potentially decisive.
The Moroccan international played under Ten Hag across 18 months for Eredivisie club FC Utrecht. The United boss has been extremely virtuous towards the player – heralding his stamina and desire to place the team above himself, a quality which he holds in the upmost regard.
The centre of midfield is not currently a priority position for the Red Devils to strengthen, especially after Mason Mount completed his move to Old Trafford from Chelsea with United paying an initial £55m plus up to £5m in add-ons. He is United's only summer signing to date.
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United are currently pursuing Inter goalkeeper Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund, the Atalanta striker, as two priority targets. It is believed that Ten Hag is keen for multiple more signings this summer but United have budgetary limitations that ensures that further moves are dependent on sales.
Ten Hag oversaw the signings of Christian Eriksen and Casemiro last summer to revolutionise United’s midfield. Fred is likely to be moved on this summer while Marcel Sabitzer’s loan deal has expired, helping to clear the way for further additions.
His admiration of Amrabat is driving a potential summer move, although no deal is likely in the coming weeks due to United’s prioritisation of other transfers. The holding midfielder has long been linked with a transfer with a host of clubs interested in his signature.
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Amrabat starred for Morocco at the World Cup as they eliminated Spain and Portugal en route to the semi-finals. His performances in Qatar prompted links with Liverpool, among other clubs, with reports claiming Jurgen Klopp held a secret meeting with the player's agent.
Amrabat’s brother Nordin – whose decorated professional career including two years at Watford – has spoken of Sofyan’s relationship with Ten Hag. Ahead of last season’s Europa Conference League, in which Fiorentina were edged out by West Ham, he namedropped Old Trafford as a possible location for his brother.
Nordin told ESPN of his brother’s future: “He wants to go to the top, you are not going to trade Italy for the middle bracket of the Premier League. At Barcelona, he is high on the list but you know Barca’s financial situation.
“Of course you never know, it will be a strong competition when you see which names are going. But my brother now has the intention to play in the top, preferably in Spain or England, I think.
“Ten Hag is now looking for a striker, he wants that first. From there he will see what is possible. But I know that Ten Hag is charmed by my brother, he broke through under him and they have a good relationship, so who knows.”
