Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat is still keen to seal a return to the Premier League with Manchester United but he is now also open to the idea of joining Jose Mourinho at Fenerbahce too.
- Exclusive from Graeme Bailey
This time last year, one of the star’s of Morocco’s 2022 World Cup campaign had to wait until the final few hours of the transfer window to seal his dream move to Old Trafford.
12 months on, Sofyan Amrabat finds himself in a similar position.
Manchester United have not yet ruled out a second spell at Old Trafford for the Fiorentina-owned midfielder.
But Amrabat, who struggled to convince apart from his stand-out display in the FA Cup final triumph over Man City, appears to be little more than a back-up target for the Red Devils these days. Despite cooling their interest in Paris Saint-Germain enforcer Manuel Ugarte, United may instead go for Wolves’ Joao Gomes or Nottingham Forest’s Danilo.
HITC understands that United’s scouting department are huge fans of the Brazilian duo.
They also hold an admiration for Sporting Lisbon captain Morten Hjulmand, Atalanta ball-winner Ederson, and Monaco contract-rebel Youssouf Fofana.
Even Sander Burge of Burnley has been mentioned of late.
Manchester United eye Sofyan Amrabat alternatives
So while Amrabat is still holding out hope that Man United will come calling again, a player who also worked under Erik ten Hag at FC Utrecht is also opening up the door to alternative destinations.
HITC have been told that Fenerbahce are in talks and are ready to offer Amrabat a deal.
Now under the stewardship of former Old Trafford boss Jose Mourinho, the 27-year-old would accept the chance to play under one of the most decorated head coaches in football history should a contract come his way from Istanbul.
Fenerbahce accumulated 99 points in the Turkish Super Lig last season but still finished second behind bitter rivals Galatasaray. The task now falls on Mourinho to take Fener that one step further.
Bringing in Rade Krunic from AC Milan, Caglar Soyuncu from Atletico Madrid, former Newcastle winger Allan Saint-Maximin and new £19 million record signing Youssef En-Nesyri, the Fenerbahce bosses are clearly happy to back Mourinho with considerable funds.
Jose Mourinho can lure Fiorentina ace to Fenerbahce
Amrabat, per Tuttomercatoweb, may cost a further £17 million.
He excelled at La Viola after returning from the Qatar World Cup, helping Fiorentina reach the final of the Europa Conference League and standing out during that 2-1 defeat to West Ham.
Amrabat no longer appears to be a key part of their plans, however. Not with the Serie A outfit winning the race to sign the much-coveted Amir Richardson from Stade de Reims.
HITC reported on Wednesday that Richardson – one of the breakout talents of the most recent Ligue 1 campaign – had emerged on the radars of Tottenham Hotspur, Brentford and Leicester City.
Everton too, potentially viewing the 6ft 6ins Richardson as a replacement for the departed Amadou Onana. The Toffees had been quoted around £8.5 million by Reims.
But with Fiorentina set to secure the signing of Amrabat’s fellow Morocco international – Richardson plays for the Atlas Lions despite being born in France to an American father – the Fenerbahce target will be allowed to leave for the right price.
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