Jose Mourinho ruins Man Utd’s transfer plans

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 6 Aug 2024 12:14 BST
• 3 min read

Jose Mourinho could return to haunt Manchester United as he attempts to sign Sofyan Amrabat.

Amrabat spent last season on loan at Man Utd, and Erik ten Hag is believed to be keen at bringing him back to Old Trafford again this term.

However, United face serious competition for Amrabat from Mourinho’s Fenerbahce.

READ MORE: Premier League summer transfers 2024: All the Done Deals

According to reports in Turkey, Fenerbahce have placed a new bid of around €12 million after having an initial offer of €10m rejected by Fiorentina.

It is believed that their new offer is close to being accepted by Fiorentina.

It then is up to Amrabat to decide whether he makes the move to Turkey, with Mourinho renowned for convincing players to join him during his career.

Amrabat at Man Utd

Man Utd paid €9 million last summer to sign Amrabat on loan for the 2023-24 season from Fiorentina.

READ MORE: Latest Man Utd transfer news

The Red Devils had the option to make the deal permanent for €25m at the end of the campaign.

However, United opted against activating that option as the 27-year-old disappointed for much of the season.

But United and Ten Hag do still like Amrabat and are interested in bringing him back at the right price.

Right now, though, they are not in a position to match Fenerbahce’s bid as they have other priorities and deals they are working on.

Amrabat has since returned to Fiorentina but will immediately be sold on.

Despite his struggles at Man Utd, he did have a strong last month to the season.

This culminated in an excellent performance in the FA Cup final win over Man City.

These performances have gained the attention of other Premier League clubs such as Crystal Palace and Fulham.

Amrabat is understood to prefer to stay in the Premier League next season.

The Moroccan established himself as one of Europe’s most admired central midfielders at Fiorentina, with Barcelona and Chelsea also trying to sign him during the January transfer window of 2023.

Amrabat was also arguably the best midfielder at World Cup 2022, playing a crucial role for a Morocco team that stunned everyone in reaching the semi-finals.