Man Utd could sign Sofyan Amrabat for just £10m. (Image: Getty)
Manchester United haven’t yet ruled out the possibility of signing Sofyan Amrabat on a permanent transfer this summer as INEOS continue to assess their midfield options in the market. Amrabat is reportedly holding out for a return to Old Trafford, and he has been a prominent name in discussions after a positive end to his loan spell.
The Fiorentina star joined in an £8million loan move last summer but struggled to make an impact throughout a difficult season all around.
However, Amrabat started United’s final three Premier League games – a defeat to Arsenal and wins over Newcastle United and Brighton and Hove Albion.
Erik ten Hag then selected the 27-year-old over Casemiro in the FA Cup final against Manchester City, and he played a crucial role in the memorable 2-1 triumph at Wembley.
United opted against triggering the £21m buy option in his contract before the July deadline, though, suggesting that he wasn’t to return permanently.
But the longer Ten Hag hasn’t added a new midfielder to his ranks, and while Amrabat hasn’t moved elsewhere, the more chance he lands back in M16 this season.
According to Fabrizio Romano, United have predominantly discussed Amrabat and Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte during their search for fresh blood in midfield.
And reports in Italy claim that the Morocco international’s representatives are attempting to orchestrate a permanent switch back to Old Trafford.
Sofyan Amrabat spent last season on loan at Man Utd. (Image: Getty)
He is said to be keen on a return, and Fiorentina want to find a quick solution, whether that’s in the form of another paid loan or a cut-price transfer.
Ten Hag was reportedly the driving force behind United’s move for Amrabat last summer, and the Dutchman sang his praises after he completed his switch.
He said: “It was already, from the start of the season, one of my wishes to get another [number] six, a holding midfielder, in the squad because through the season you need that depth there.
“In that position, we only had Casemiro, who can play really well there. With others, we have to make compromises, but with Sofryan Amrabat, we have another one.
“Also he can play alongside Casemiro because he can also play a little bit higher on the pitch. So it’s very good to have him, and I think he fits very good to Premier League football, to Champions League football.
“I think the demands are strong. He is very dynamic, he’s very good in the duels. So we are pleased that we have him at United and I think he will contribute to our high targets we set.”
Some reports suggest that Amrabat’s fee could be as low as £10.1m, which could appeal to United as the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) limit their activity.
After splashing £88.5m to sign Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee and Lille centre-back Leny Yoro, United will likely have to raise funds through further player sales before recruiting a midfielder.
Casemiro, Scott McTominay and Christian Eriksen are thought to be in the shop window, but no suitable offers have arrived thus far.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1928009/Man-Utd-transfer-news-Erik-ten-Hag