The brother and agent of Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat has revealed that Manchester United failed with a loan move for the Morocco international in January.
The 26-year-old rose to fame as a key member of Morocco's history-making World Cup squad, helping the Atlas Lions become the first African nation to ever reach the semi-finals.
Amrabat impressed with his tenacious tough-tackling displays as he played every minute in Qatar, with Walid Regragui's side ultimately losing their third-placed playoff against Croatia.
Prior to the World Cup, Tottenham Hotspur had apparently taken an interest in signing Amrabat, whose stock only rose further following Morocco's remarkable run in Qatar.
All of Liverpool, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona were said to have been interested in a January deal for the midfielder, but Fiorentina managed to retain his services for at least another six months.
© Reuters
Now, Amrabat's brother and representative Nordin Amrabat - who plays his club football with AEK Athens - has also revealed that Man United failed with a late January loan move.
"I can name three clubs who were concrete in the last two or three days of the transfer window. Manchester United wanted a loan with an option to buy deal, Fiorentina rejected," the 35-year-old told Voetbal Primeur.
Despite fending off interest in Amrabat in the January window, Fiorentina only have the Morocco international under contract until 2024 with the option of an additional 12 months.
La Viola are expected to try to agree a new contract with the 26-year-old, but they could be pressured into a summer sale if he elects not to pen fresh terms at Stadio Artemio Franchi.
Amrabat initially joined Fiorentina on loan from Hellas Verona in 2020 before making his move permanent that same summer, and he has one goal to show from 95 appearances for La Viola in that time.
© Reuters
Man United entered the market for a last-minute midfield signing in January due to Christian Eriksen's ankle injury, which will keep the Dane sidelined until the final few weeks of the season.
After failing with their bid to lure Amrabat away from Fiorentina, the Red Devils completed the signing of Marcel Sabitzer on a six-month loan deal from Bayern Munich.
The 29-year-old's terms at Old Trafford do not include an option or obligation to buy, though, meaning that he will head back to the Allianz Arena this summer as things stand.
While refusing to entertain the idea of a permanent move midway through the season, Sabitzer recently told reporters that he was "very happy" in Manchester, saying: "Whatever happens in the summer, we will see.
"I had to make a quick decision in January. I was focused on this, it was clear it is just a loan until the summer. I take every game as it comes. I'm very happy to be here. I will give 100%. I am very happy to be part of this team, this amazing club, and I feel very welcomed. I am very happy at the moment."
Casemiro, Fred, Donny van de Beek and Scott McTominay are also competing for places in Erik ten Hag's engine room, but the latter could also be allowed to leave in the summer amid his lack of action.
Ben Knapton
