Manchester United are currently mulling over the prospect of making Sofyan Amrabat’s loan deal from Fiorentina permanent this summer. Initially brought in on loan for €10 million, with a purchase option set at €20 million plus €5 million in add-ons, the Moroccan midfielder faced a tough initiation into the Premier League, grappling with its rigorous demands and struggling to find his rhythm in the early stages of the 2023/24 season.
However, as the season progressed, Amrabat began to find his footing, culminating in a remarkable upturn in form towards the latter part of the campaign. His resurgence was particularly evident in the final stretch of games, with standout performances, notably in the FA Cup final triumph against Manchester City, where his contributions were instrumental to United’s success.
During this pivotal phase, Amrabat showcased his exceptional passing prowess and tireless work ethic, prompting serious contemplation from United about making his stay at Old Trafford a permanent one. Reports from the Manchester Evening News suggest that while the club is open to the idea, the final decision may hinge on the future of manager Erik ten Hag, who shares the same representation agency, Sports Entertainment Group, as Amrabat.
The uncertainty surrounding Amrabat’s future coincides with the challenges faced by United’s midfield linchpin, Casemiro, throughout the season. The Brazilian maestro endured a torrid campaign marred by injuries and inconsistent displays, leading to him losing his starting berth to Amrabat in the FA Cup final. With his struggles evident in frequent turnovers and being bypassed by opposition midfielders, United may entertain the prospect of offloading the veteran midfielder, especially with interest from Al-Nassr, who are reportedly ready to table a substantial offer.
In stark contrast, Amrabat has emerged as a beacon of promise for United, earning glowing endorsements from Morocco manager Walid Regragui, who hailed him as a ‘world-class’ talent. His recent performances underscore his potential to provide stability and depth to United’s midfield, making him an attractive proposition for the club. Financially, the acquisition of Amrabat could be viable, with the proceeds from Casemiro’s potential departure potentially offsetting the transfer outlay.
Moreover, signing Amrabat aligns seamlessly with United’s overarching strategy of bolstering their squad with versatile and dependable players. As the club endeavors to build upon recent triumphs and consolidate their standing in both domestic and European competitions, securing the services of a player like Amrabat, who has proven his mettle on the grandest stages, could prove to be a shrewd piece of business.