Transfer Centre

Manchester United 'still planning to sign Sofyan Amrabat this summer'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 16 August 2023

Man United 'still planning to sign Amrabat this summer'

Manchester United still want to bring Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat to Old Trafford before the transfer window closes, according to a report.

Manchester United are reportedly still planning to bring Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat to the club during this summer's transfer window despite the recent rumours.

The 26-year-old is widely expected to leave the Purples before the end of the market, with Man United long regarded as the favourites for his signature.

However, a recent report claimed that Juventus were now in the driving seat for the Morocco international, with Erik ten Hag's side stalling on a deal.

According to La Nazione, the 20-time English champions are still asking for time when it comes to a transfer, but the club are confident that a deal will go through over the next couple of weeks.

Man United have already sold Fred to Fenerbahce this summer but are allegedly waiting for Donny van de Beek to leave before making an official approach for Amrabat.

Morocco's Sofyan Amrabat celebrates after the match on November 27, 2022 © Reuters

Van de Beek had been heavily linked with a move to Real Sociedad, but a switch to the Basque outfit is believed to have stalled, with Ajax now considering re-signing him.

Scott McTominay has also been linked with a move to West Ham United, although it is unlikely that the Scotland international will be allowed to leave if Van de Beek departs.

Amrabat is still believed to be Man United's leading target when it comes to the defensive midfield position despite recent suggestions that the club's interest had cooled.

The Moroccan played a key role in his country reaching the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup, while he helped Fiorentina to the finals of last season's Europa Conference League and Coppa Italia.

Sofyan Amrabat warms up for Fiorentina in March 2021 © Reuters

In total, Amrabat has featured on 107 occasions for Fiorentina since arriving from Club Brugge in 2020, scoring once and providing one assist.

Mason Mount, Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes started as the midfield three against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Monday night.

Christian Eriksen was then introduced in that area of the field in the second period, but Ten Hag is determined to bring in a defensive midfielder before the window slams shut.

Man United were exposed centrally against Wolves, with Mount and Fernandes often breaking forward and leaving Casemiro isolated in the middle.

Raphael Varane netted the only goal of the contest on Monday evening, and the Red Devils will now be bidding to make it successive wins in their second match of the campaign away to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.