EXCLUSIVE: Erik ten Hag presses for Sofyan Amrabat as next main target for Man Utd

Jacque Talbot

Updated: 30 Jul 2023 17:47 BST
3 min read

Sofyan Amrabat is now Erik ten Tag’s priority signing after Manchester United wrapped up a move for Rasmus Hojlund.

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As FootballTransfers revealed four weeks ago, Ten Hag hopes to clinch a deal for Amrabat and it’s thought that personal terms won’t be a problem.

The player is with CAA Base, one of the UK’s leading agencies, and we understand it’s likely that they will push a move through to Man Utd in lieu of interest from Saudi Arabia. Atletico Madrid had the player in their sights but ultimately the side are pushing for Tottenham’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. Amrabat will be Ten Hag’s choice as he looks to bolster this midfield and will use the Fiorentina man as a double-pivot alongside Casemiro.

As we reported before, the club needs to move on Fred or Scott McTominay to seal a move - we’re led to believe that the price tag will be in the region of €35million, with Amrabat having just a year left on his deal in Italy.

Man Utd have sounded out Fiorentina and the player over a possible move but we are told that no official bids have been forthcoming so far.

Erik ten Hag’s revolution

© ProShots - Man Utd clinched the signing of Hojlund

Ten Hag wants another number nine as well as Hojlund. The ambition is for two strikers this window despite reports to the contrary. Harry Kane is the main target but a deal looks unlikely given the landscape.

Man Utd have agreed a deal in principle for Hojlund, worth an initial £64m with a further £8m in add-ons.

The 20-year-old has agreed a five-year contract with the option of an additional 12 months.

He follows Mason Mount and Andre Onana through the door, with some of Ten Hag’s main concerns sorted ahead of the new season.