Manchester United ‘no longer favourites’ for Sofyan Amrabat as talks “intensify” elsewhere

Manchester United are “no longer favourites” for midfielder Sofyan Amrabat this summer as talks intensify for a move elsewhere.

On the final day of the 2023 transfer window, Manchester United announced the loan signing of Moroccan midfielder Sofyan Amrabat from Fiorentina for an initial fee of £8.5 million, with an option to buy for an additional £20 million. Initially, it was expected that United would trigger this option.

However, Amrabat struggled with form and injuries, resulting in only 30 appearances across all competitions, with 17 starts. He played fewer minutes than Jonny Evans over the season.

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By March 2024, fans largely believed that United would not trigger the buy option for Amrabat. Nonetheless, his performances improved towards the end of the season, particularly in the FA Cup final, causing some to reconsider his potential value to the team.

United had until 21 July to activate Amrabat’s buy clause following the expiry of Amrabat’s loan contract at the end of last month, but they did not do so as they clearly did not see the transfer as value for money.

Multiple reports have stated that Ten Hag would like to retain the Moroccan international in an ideal world, but the latest news now suggests that this may not be possible.

According to Tuttomercatoweb, United are no longer favourites to sign Amrabat this summer, even though Fiorentina very much need to sell the player this summer as his current contract expires in 2025.

It is claimed that Jose Mourinho and his new club, Fenerbahce, are pushing to sign the 27-year-old, with talks now “intensifying” surrounding the transfer.

Meanwhile, reports from the Manchester Evening News claim that United have received a bid of around £23 million from Fulham for Scott McTominay, although this will be rejected.

United are thought to be looking for around £25-30 million for the Scottish international this summer.

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