According to reports, Liverpool have been turned down by Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, who has instead agreed personal terms with Premier League rivals Manchester United this summer.
Who is bringing in Sofyan Amrabat?
After entering the final year of his current Fiorentina contract, Amrabat has been extensively linked with a move to England ahead of the 2023/24 season.
The 26-year-old has been linked with transfers to Manchester United and Aston Villa, with the Reds expected to be interested in him by the end of 2022.
In December, it was rumored that the Morocco international was at the top of Jurgen Klopp’s midfield wishlist and that the player was interested in a move to Anfield at the time.
However, as we all know, Liverpool has since strengthened their midfield by signing Alexis MacAllister and Dominik Szoboszlai from Brighton and RB Leipzig, respectively. Despite this, it appears that Amrabat has remained a target on Merseyside, with Liverpool recently making a last-ditch bid.
In the previous 48 hours, the Metro repeated information from Italy about Liverpool and a late move for Amrabat. Fiorentina are said to be open to proposals in the region of £25 million for the midfielder as they seek to balance their books.
The Reds are thought to have approached Amrabat and offered him a move to Anfield in recent days, but he has declined since he accepted personal terms with Manchester United.
Who else is Liverpool interested in signing?
It doesn’t appear that Amrabat will be playing for Liverpool next season, and he could have been a wise addition following a successful year.
Amrabat was dubbed the “Gennaro Gattuso of Morocco” by broadcaster Carlo Garganese and hailed by former England manager Fabio Capello for his performances at last year’s World Cup in Qatar, which saw Morocco reach the semi-finals.
“Aside from the well-known Hakim Ziyech and Achraf Hakimi, if I had to name one name, it would be Amrabat.” He is vital for balance and a fantastic runner. I read that he ran nearly fourteen kilometers versus Spain. I see him as Morocco’s Gennaro Gattuso.”
Liverpool appears to be looking for a new No.6 despite Fabinho’s projected move to Saudi Arabia, and it appears that they are also interested in Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia.
The Reds have even had an initial £40 million bid for the Belgian knocked down, with the Saints holding out for £50 million, indicating that those at Anfield are seeking for another marquee acquisition.
Amrabat may have ended up costing half of Lavia’s asking price, but he appears to be eyeing a move to Old Trafford, where Champions League football is on offer for the following season.
It would be intriguing to see who joins Mac Allister and Szoboszlai in midfield next season, and if Lavia does join, Klopp might have a brand new first-choice midfield three to choose from.