Fiorentina Midfielder Sofyan Amrabat Seals Loan Move to Manchester United with Potential £214m Permanent Deal
Manchester United secure the loan signing of Sofyan Amrabat from Fiorentina, with an option to buy for £214m The Moroccan midfielder fulfills a dream by joining his desired club This strategic move enhances United's midfield and adds Premier League attributes
Manchester United have secured the services of Sofyan Amrabat, the Fiorentina midfielder, on a loan agreement that spans the entire season. The loan encompasses the provision for United to purchase Amrabat, if they so choose, for a fee of £8.5m (€10m). In the event that the deal is made permanent, United will further commit to paying £21.4m (€25m).
The 27-year-old becomes United's fourth Deadline Day signing after the arrivals of goalkeeper Altay Bayindir from Fenerbahce, Tottenham left-back Sergio Reguilon and free agent Jonny Evans.
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Amrabat successfully underwent a medical in Italy alongside the club's director of football negotiations, Matt Hargreaves, who traveled to the country to secure the agreement. As his future remained uncertain, the midfielder had refrained from training with Fiorentina's first-team squad.
Absent from Fiorentina's lineup in the Europa Conference League play-off second leg versus Rapid Vienna, the talented Moroccan player showcased his skills while representing his national team in the previous year's World Cup, securing a commendable fourth-place finish. With a remarkable record of 92 appearances, he has contributed significantly to Fiorentina over the course of three seasons.
Amrabat is United's seventh summer signing with midfielder Mason Mount, goalkeeper Andre Onana and striker Rasmus Hojlund signed earlier in the window.
Amrabat: I'm representing club of my dreams
Amrabat expressed his gratitude in joining Manchester United, stating, "Becoming a player for Manchester United is an immense privilege. Despite the wait, I have always followed my instincts, and now I have the opportunity to represent the club I have always dreamt of being a part of."
Demonstrating his immense passion for the game, he added, "I am an ardent player, and I aim to bring that determination and enthusiasm to the team. I will wholeheartedly commit myself to every action I undertake for the squad."
Amrabat worked with United boss Erik ten Hag at Utrecht in the Netherlands.
"I know exactly how Erik ten Hag likes to work and what he needs from his players," he added.
Manchester United's Football Director, John Murtough, expressed his satisfaction in acquiring Sofyan, whom they have been monitoring for a substantial period.
'Amrabat signing not a panic move'
His dedicated and enthusiastic approach to the game aligns seamlessly with the team we are assembling here. We are confident that Sofyan's mindset, energy, and technical abilities will greatly contribute to the squad as we strive for success in all competitions this season.We' Gary Neville:
"I've always felt he's not a holding midfield player, but he plays in that position alongside Casemiro where he'll get on the ball and that's what Erik ten Hag wants.
Is he the ideal player for Manchester United to address the recurring midfield issue they have been experiencing this season, where they have been consistently exploited?
I don't believe that the acquisition of Amrabat is a hasty decision, as they have been interested in him since the beginning and have desired a midfield player who excels at ball control for about a year, dating back to their interest in Frenkie de Jong. (Mason) Mount does not fit the profile of a ball-playing midfielder; I believe he is strong in pressing, strategic thinking, and attacking. It seems like Manchester United has always desired a player of this caliber.
I can't understand why it didn't happen sooner. The other acquisitions were made earlier during the summer, and they have faced difficulties in offloading players, which has resulted in problems for United. Perhaps that's the reason. However, considering how the season has begun, the performance levels have been subpar. I acknowledge that they have accumulated six points, but it could have easily been a much lower tally.
The team had to take action and bring someone in because the midfield is a significant issue.
Could Amrabat fix Man Utd's midfield?
We delve into the intriguing backstory of Amrabat's connection with Erik ten Hag, as revealed by his former coach. Discover how this Moroccan dynamo possesses not only exceptional power but also incredible passing skills, making him the perfect solution for Manchester United's midfield conundrums...
Analysis: Amrabat has Premier League attributes
We're Peter Smith:"Sofyan Amrabat played a crucial role in Morocco's remarkable journey to the semi-finals of the World Cup in Qatar. His exceptional performances garnered widespread acclaim and earned him a special place in the hearts of football enthusiasts worldwide. Notably, Amrabat was selected as a key member of our team of the tournament, which further highlighted his exceptional talent and contributions."
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Sofyan Amrabat's defensive action areas for Fiorentina in the 2022/23 Serie A season
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Sofyan Amrabat's heatmap and passing sonar for Fiorentina in the 2022/23 Serie A season
His extraordinary determination to keep up with Kylian Mbappe and successfully execute a precise tackle on the French superstar became an undeniable highlight in his career. Throughout the competition, he showcased a remarkable combination of physical strength and exceptional ball control, enabling Morocco to maintain possession securely. He emerged as the top performer in terms of distance covered and recoveries in the World Cup.
Over the course of his time at Fiorentina in Serie A, he consistently demonstrated these exceptional skills for a span of four seasons. Now, at the age of 27, he is rapidly approaching his prime years, making a move to the Premier League appear as the logical next step for a player of his caliber.
