Man Utd given boost in Amrabat replacement search

Tom Weber

• Updated: 12 Jan 2024 11:29 GMT
• 3 min read

AS Monaco are targeting a replacement for Youssouf Fofana in anticipation of his summer departure, according to French media.

The France international is expected to depart Monaco in the next transfer window. Fofana is a sought-after commodity, having already been linked with a Premier League switch in 2023. However, he chose to stay in Ligue 1, claiming that the English offers on the table simply weren't attractive enough.

2024 could be a different story for the 25-year-old as he is out of contract next year, meaning that Monaco will have to sell unless they can get him to sign a new deal, which looks unlikely at this stage. Indeed, they are already planning for his departure.

According to L'Equipe, Monaco are looking at Marseille's Pape Gueye as a replacement for Fofana. Gueye has also been linked with Burnley and Marseille are said to be looking to sell him. The news of Fofana's potential summer exit will be met with excitement in the Premier League, especially at Manchester United.

Amrabat replacement

The Red Devils are said to be long-time admirers of the Monaco star, who was part of the France squad that finished runners-up at the 2022 World Cup. In fact, United have repeatedly been tentatively linked with a move for him since the summer.

It has previously been claimed that Fofana could be available for €30 million, a figure that seems unreachable for the Manchester giants in January but could be payable in the summer. At Old Trafford, Fofana appears to be the natural successor to Sofyan Amrabat.

The Moroccan has failed to have quite the desired impact for Erik ten Hag despite the Dutchman pursuing the former's signature all summer, eventually snapping him up on loan with an option to buy. At this point, however, it seems unlikely that Amrabat will stay beyond this season.

With Casemiro not getting any younger and also potentially departing in 2024, it leaves Man Utd with a massive defensive midfield hole to fill. Signing Fofana could quickly become imperative for the Red Devils.