While Dusan Vlahovic went from hero to zero in the minds of Fiorentina supporters – tainting his legacy with a big-money move to bitter rivals Juventus – Sofyan Amrabat did precisely the opposite on Monday night.
Gifting Spezia an equaliser when he was caught on the ball in and around the halfway line, the Morocco international could hardly have picked a better time to open his La Viola account, atoning for his error just 15 minutes later.
Picking up possession just outside the Spezia box, Amrabat drilled a pinpoint shot into the bottom corner. The ensuing celebration was one of relief, as much as jubilation. His redemption arc complete.
If things had worked out differently, however, Amrabat would have followed Vlahovic out the door during the January transfer window.
Tottenham were one step away from signing the one-time Fiorentina youngster in a potential £12.5 million loan-to-buy deal (Calciomercato).
But, not for the first time, a deal that initially appeared done and dusted proved to be anything but.
Like those of Adama Traore and Luis Diaz, the transfer fell through, Antonio Conte’s pleas and prayers going unanswered.
Did Tottenham need Sofyan Amrabat?
“I’m very happy for Amrabat,” beams Fiorentina director Daniele Prade following the midfielder’s 89th minute winner at the Stadio Alberto Picco (TMW).
“That mistake could have cost him dearly but the goal is a liberation. He deserves it. There were a lot of teams who wanted (to sign) him but he wanted to stay. He is stubborn and wanted to prove that he is a Fiorentina footballer.”
“I’m a bit sorry because I played a great match and then I made a mistake,” Amrabat adds, via Tuttomercatoweb.
“But I was happy with the goal because it gave us three points. It was very important for the team to get off the pitch with a win.”
Amrabat, the younger brother of former Watford winger Nordin, made just his second start of current campaign season at Spezia. No wonder he’s desperate to make his mark.
“It’s not easy when you’re not playing, but I’ve always worked hard to help the team,” Amrabat insists. “When I scored, (the emotion) came out. Everything I’ve experienced in the last few months.”
Spurs did, at least, snap up another Serie A enforcer after missing out on Amrabat. And, if the early signs are anything to go by, Rodrigo Bentancur could be one of the smartest signings Tottenham have made in recent memory.
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