Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool signed Ryan Gravenberch in the summer transfer window, but it seems that the Merseyside club could have brought Sofyan Amrabat to Anfield instead before Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United got him.
In the summer of 2023, Liverpool signed Ryan Gravenberch from Bayern Munich, while Manchester United secured the services of Sofyan Amrabat from Fiorentina.
Gravenberch, 21, cost Liverpool £34.2 million in transfer fees (Sky Sports).
Amrabat moved to United on loan.
According to Sky Sports, the Red Devils paid Fiorentina a loan fee of £8.5 million and have the option to make the deal permanent for £21.4 million.
Liverpool almost signed Sofyan Amrabat before Manchester United
Both deals happened on the final day of the summer transfer window.
The Daily Mail is now reporting that Liverpool could have signed Amrabat before the 27-year-old Morocco international defensive midfielder joined Premier League rivals United.
“The problem is believed to have arisen inside the Amrabat camp,” states the report.
“Talks were put on hold for 24 hours and it was during this period that Liverpool decided to go back to Gravenberch who, at 21, was viewed as a younger and better fit for Klopp’s needs.”
No regrets for Liverpool
We do not think that Liverpool should have any regrets over not signing Sofyan Amrabat, who was described as “outstanding” by former Manchester United star Roy Keane on ITV (7:02pm, December 18, 2022).
Amrabat is at the top of his game now and could have been able to make an immediate impact at Liverpool.
However, Ryan Gravenberch is much younger.
The Netherlands international is just 21 now.
In the long run, the former Bayern Munich star is a better option for manager Jurgen Klopp.
It will be interesting to see how Amrabat does for Manchester United this season.
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