Tottenham could have signed World Cup star this year, his brother says

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Nordin Amrabat admits his brother Sofyan could have joined Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League last January, speaking to De Telegraaf following Morocco’s qualification for the World Cup last-16. 

Following a typically ferocious performance during Morocco’s 2-0 victory over Belgium last weekend, Morocco coach Walid Regragui predicted that it would be only a matter of time before the ‘world-class’ Sofyan Amrabat was lining up for one of the finest club sides on the continent. 

Reported interest from Liverpool, via Corriere dello Sport, suggest that Regragui’s premonition could become reality sooner rather than later. 

Amrabat came close to a potential £12 million move to Tottenham some 11 months ago too. The deal fell through, however; with his older sibling explaining that, despite serious interest from the North London club, there was never any ‘agreement’ with Fiorentina. 

Tottenham could have signed Morocco and Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat

“I am really incredibly proud of Sofyan,” says former Watford winger Nordin. “If you play so well on such a stage, then you have a lot to offer.  

“I think that the top clubs in Europe that have been sleeping have now been shocked. In January, Sofyan was already around Tottenham Hotspur, but there was no agreement on the transfer fee with Fiorentina. I think the interested (clubs) will now be queuing up.”

Amrabat completed three tackles and three interceptions during Morocco’s 2-1 win over Canada on Thursday; a result which secured their place in the last-16 for the first time since 1986. Plus, 91 per cent of his attempteed passes.

Talk about a complete midfield performance. 

As former Spurs and Liverpool playmaker Danny Murphy explains, this is a guy who ‘has got a bit of eveything’.

Morocco will now face Spain on Tuesday with a place in the quarter-finals up for grabs. And Nordin Amrabat insists that it is no coincidence Morocco have emerged as potential dark horses following the return of the formerly out-of-favour duo Hakim Ziyech and Noussair Mazraoui to the international set-up.

“Their return to the national team, is of, course extremely important,” Amrabat adds. “The fact that they are back now gives us a huge boost. Hakim and Noussair are experienced top players, who play for Chelsea and Bayern Munich for a reason.”