Aheed Abrar
Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat turned down Manchester United approach in January
Sofyan Amrabat, the midfielder at Fiorentina, turned down approaches from Manchester United and Premier League rivals Chelsea in January, according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo (h/t Metro).
The Red Devils, as well as Graham Potter’s team, were looking to acquire the 26-year-old’s services in the previous transfer window. However, the Morocco international pined for a move to La Liga giants Barcelona.
The Blaugrana were interested in Amrabat. They had made an offer of almost £5.3 million to take the midfielder on loan last month. The Moroccan was also keen on moving to the Camp Nou side and offered to effectively play for free. However, the Viola rejected the proposal.
United were confident about their chance of getting a hold of the 26-year-old’s signature. He has previously worked under the Red Devils’ head coach Erik ten Hag during their time together at Utrecht. The Dutch manager was eyeing a reunion in Manchester.
In the end, Amrabat stayed at Fiorentina. The midfielder signed for the Florence-based club in the summer of 2020. Since then, he has been decent for the Serie A outfit.
However, in the current campaign, the Moroccan has caught a lot of people’s attention. His current contract at the Italian side expires in the summer of 2024.
The 26-year-old played a key role for his national side in the 2022 World Cup. Morocco shockingly made it to the semi-finals in Qatar after beating the likes of Spain and Portugal. But Walid Regragui’s team were unable to get past France.
United signed Casemiro last summer. The Brazilian has cemented his place in the number six position. He has been pivotal towards Ten Hag’s success at the Old Trafford side.
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Therefore, considering the former Real Madrid star’s quality, Amrabat could seemingly find game time hard to come by in Manchester. The Moroccan would evidently not want to be a bit-part player when he looks to be at his peak.
