Manchester United is set to part ways with Sofyan Amrabat, currently on loan from Fiorentina, this summer. Despite the midfielder’s impressive performance in the FA Cup final, the club has decided not to retain him. Amrabat, a key player for the Morocco national team, joined Manchester United on loan last summer, but his tenure during the 2023/24 season has been largely disappointing for the 27-year-old.
Amrabat participated in 30 matches for Manchester United throughout the season, starting in 17 of them. However, he was not a significant part of Erik ten Hag’s strategic plans, with the emergence of young talent Kobbie Mainoo, who quickly became a staple in the Dutch manager’s lineup.
Towards the end of the season, Amrabat saw increased playing time and delivered a standout performance in the FA Cup final, contributing to Manchester United’s 2-1 victory over Manchester City. Nevertheless, this display has not been enough to alter the club’s decision regarding his future. According to reports from Football Insider, the Premier League giants will not pursue a permanent transfer for Amrabat and will return him to Fiorentina.
The primary reason behind Manchester United’s decision is their belief that Amrabat is not well-suited to the demands of Premier League football. Despite having a £21.4 million option-to-buy clause in his loan agreement, which is a relatively modest fee for a club of United’s stature, they have chosen not to exercise it.
Amrabat’s future now appears uncertain. His contract with Fiorentina runs until 2025, making this summer a crucial period for his career. Fiorentina will likely seek to sell him to avoid losing him for free next year. Although Amrabat gained widespread attention for his performances with Morocco during the 2022 World Cup, he has struggled to replicate that form at the club level.
The Moroccan midfielder’s situation underscores the challenges players can face when transitioning to different leagues and the high standards and specific demands of Premier League football. While his time at Manchester United may not have gone as hoped, Amrabat remains a talented player with the potential to thrive elsewhere. As the summer transfer window approaches, it will be intriguing to see which clubs express interest in securing his services and how Fiorentina navigates this pivotal moment in his career.