Manchester United sealed a £10m season-long loan for Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat with minutes remaining before Friday’s 11pm transfer deadline, with Sergio Reguilón, Altay Bayindir and Jonny Evans signed earlier in the day.
The deal for Amrabat is subject to international clearance and registration requirements. Erik ten Hag had pursued Amrabat as an upgrade on Fred after his £15m sale to Fenerbahce. The Moroccan’s signing may represent a coup after his impressive performances in his country’s fourth-place finish at the Qatar World Cup.
The Netherlands-born 27-year-old has previously played for Utrecht, Feyenoord, Club Brugge, and Verona. He was a Belgian champion with Club Brugge and has 49 caps.
Amrabat, who played under Ten Hag at Utrecht six years ago, said: “I know exactly how Erik ten Hag likes to work and what he needs from his players. His coaching and guidance developed me so much as a player earlier in my career. I know that he will help to bring out the best of my abilities so that I can help the group to be successful this season.
“I’ve had to be patient for this moment but I’m someone who always listens to my heart and now I am representing the club of my dreams. I am a passionate player; I want to bring that energy to the squad, and I will put everything into every action I take for the team.”
If United wish to make the move permanent there is an option to do, fee being €20m plus €5m of add-on
United moved to acquire Reguilón due to the long-term muscle problem suffered by Luke Shaw, Ten Hag’s first-choice left-back. The manager favoured Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella but the parent club would not countenance a January break clause in the loan terms. Reguilón’s contract includes this.
Reguilón, a former Atlético Madrid loanee, said: “Having spoken to the manager, I know what he needs from me, and I am ready to play my part in helping the team to achieve success. In life you have to be ready for everything and the chance to represent this great club with such an illustrious history is one that I could not turn down.
“I know that I can contribute to Manchester United this season; I am ready to fight for this group and show everyone my quality.”
Bayindir, a 25-year-old Turkey goalkeeper, agreed a four-year contract with a further year option following Dean Henderson’s sale to Crystal Palace.
He said: “It is a huge honour to join Manchester United and become the first Turkish player to represent this incredible club.”
On a busy day for United, Evans was re-signed on a one-year contract. The 35-year-old previously enjoyed a nine-year spell at the club that ended in 2015 in which he won three championships. Evans, Reguilón and Bayindir are all eligible for Sunday’s trip to Arsenal.
Mason Greenwood’s future remained in the balance as the deadline neared. Lazio had been exploring whether United would allow a free transfer despite the 21-year-old being contracted until 2026 but no deal was agreed before the Italian window closed on Friday at 7pm.
This follows the decision by mutual agreement that Greenwood will not play for United following the club’s internal inquiry into his conduct. In February Greenwood had charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault dropped. Greenwood has continued to deny the charges.
United were also hoping to conclude the sale of Eric Bailly, though Donny van de Beek looked set to stay.
