Transfer Centre

Bayern Munich 'eye Manchester United-linked Sofyan Amrabat as Declan Rice alternative'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 10 June 2023

Bayern 'eye Man United-linked Amrabat as Rice alternative'

Bayern Munich are allegedly considering whether to move for Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat courtesy of remaining as outsiders for West Ham United's Declan Rice.

Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat has reportedly emerged as a transfer target for Bayern Munich.

Ahead of the 2022 World Cup, Amrabat was regarded as a key player for Morocco, yet his stock on the European club stage was modest at best.

However, his performances in Qatar have led to him becoming a wanted man, with Fiorentina having to fend off strong interest in the 26-year-old during the January window.

Amrabat helped Fiorentina reach the Coppa Italia and Europa Conference League finals, only for the Italian side to lose to Inter Milan and West Ham United respectively to miss out on European qualification.

As a result, Amrabat is highly likely to depart the Florence-based outfit during the off-season, something that has been acknowledged by his brother.

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag on May 7, 2023 © Reuters

Nordin Amrabat hinted that a reunion with Erik ten Hag - who worked with Sofyan at FC Utrecht - may become a possibility if the respective teams can negotiate a deal.

Nevertheless, Nordin also suggested that his sibling would only leave Italian football for a high-profile club, and it appears that he will have various options.

According to Sky Sport Deutschland, Bayern are monitoring the situation at a time when it appears increasingly likely that they will miss out on Declan Rice.

Over the past 24 hours, it has been claimed that the England international is only likely to consider leaving West Ham for another Premier League club, expected to be either Arsenal or Manchester United.

Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel reacts on May 27, 2023 © Reuters

Bayern head coach Thomas Tuchel is known to be in the market for at least one new midfielder for the engine room and Amrabat theoretically ticks many boxes.

Amrabat would also cost significantly less money than Rice, although Fiorentina may look to up his asking price if Bayern and United were prepared to pay in excess of £90m for Rice.

Although Bayern have options in midfield, there is uncertainty over the futures of Marcel Sabitzer and Ryan Gravenberch, the latter having been linked with a move elsewhere.

Sabitzer, meanwhile, has just spent the second half of the season on loan at Manchester United, but he may be brought back into the fold by Tuchel once he has recovered from a knee injury.