Man Utd handed LIFELINE in Amrabat transfer

Suraj Radia

Updated: 31 Aug 2023 14:18 BST
3 min read

Sofyan Amrabat, Fiorentina, 2022/23 — © ProShots

Manchester United have been given a lifeline in their pursuit of Sofyan Amrabat after Fiorentina changed their stance over a loan deal – with an important caveat.

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Amrabat has been a top target for Erik ten Hag but United have so far been unable to meet Fiorentina’s demands despite the Moroccan pushing for the move.

United’s outlay this summer of more than €180 million has led to the club being unable to finance a permanent deal for Amrabat, with speculation that they had submitted a loan offer to Fiorentina instead.

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However, the Italian side are seeking a permanent deal, with Amrabat entering the final year of his contract, although Fiorentina have the option to extend for a further season.

United were believed to have offered a loan deal which would have seen them pay a total fee of €2m, with a first instalment of €1m instantly and the second dependent on a break clause in January – a proposal which was immediately shut down by Fiorentina.

But while Fiorentina are unwilling to sanction a straight loan, they are open to a temporary move if it had an obligation to become permanent for a fee of €25-30m, giving United a pathway to getting their man.

United paying the price for poor sales

United would have been willing to buy Amrabat permanently but the club have struggled to sell players this summer, raising less than €40m with their outgoings.

While Donny van de Beek and Eric Bailly are likely to leave on loan before Friday’s transfer deadline, United have failed to shift on the likes of Harry Maguire and Anthony Martial this summer.

The lack of dealings has left United grappling with financial fair play restrictions and forced them into unconventional methods to sign their targets, although they could be left shorthanded if the deals do not come off.

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United have been boosted by the departure of Dean Henderson, who will complete a move to Crystal Palace, which will see Fenerbahçe goalkeeper Altay Bayindir come in as a replacement.