MAN UTD LAUNCH STUNNING BARCELONA HIJACK THAT’LL GIVE TEN HAG PERFECT UPGRADE ON STAR HE’S DITCHING

Manchester United have reportedly ‘made contact’ with Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, who is a key target for Barcelona. 

The 26-year-old caught worldwide attention after helping Morocco reach the World Cup semi-finals. Now, he looks set to make a move this summer.

Barcelona manager Xavi has made signing a new midfielder one of his top transfer priorities, as he looks to bring in a long-term replacement for Sergio Busquets.

Indeed, the Catalans have been linked with moves for Martin Zubimendi, Joshua Kimmich and Ruben Neves recently.

But, Amrabat is a potentially more affordable option, with his Fiorentina contract set to expire in 2024. This is important for Barcelona, given they will not have much to spend in the transfer market.

This season, the defensive midfielder has made 48 appearances across all competitions, making one assist in the process.

Also, Amrabat will be looking to finish the campaign on a high, with the Italian club set to face West Ham in the Europa Conference League final on Wednesday.

READ MORE: Man Utd transfers: £65m move ‘well under way’, with new signing to oust star who’s ‘not good enough’

Man Utd to battle Barca for Amrabat

However, Barcelona now reportedly face fresh competition for Amrabat, from Man Utd.

Similar to Xavi, Erik ten Hag has made signing a midfielder one of his transfer priorities. Scott McTominay is expected to leave Old Trafford this summer, so the Red Devils will need to bring in cover.

As revealed by TEAMtalk, Everton midfielder Amadou Onana is being considered as a possible replacement, but he looks set to remain at Goodison Park for another season.

As a result, Man Utd are looking for alternatives, with Ten Hag considering a move for Amrabat.

This is according to Spanish outlet Sport, who claim Barcelona ‘have been made aware’ of Man Utd’s interest in the Fiorentina star.

They add that Ten Hag is ‘serious’ about signing Amrabat, which has frustrated Xavi.

As mentioned, the Moroccan will be relatively affordable, too, with Fiorentina willing to accept a bid in the region of £25m.

Ten Hag keen on Amrabat reunion

Interestingly, Ten Hag was in charge of Utrecht when Amrabat came through the club’s academy system. In a recent interview, Amrabat revealed how important his relationship with the Man Utd boss was to his career.

Speaking to the Athletic, he said: “That was so important for me. It was my second year in the first team. [Ten Hag] made a plan for me. He asked me about my strong points and what I wanted to improve.

“From the first day, he was busy with me. Not only me, all the players. A lot of coaches are busy in general with the team but he put a lot of time into individual work because he knew if the individual was better the team would be better.”

Now, Ten Hag reportedly wants to reunite with Amrabat at Old Trafford. So, it will be interesting to see if Man Utd table a concrete offer for the midfielder in the next few weeks.

READ MORE: Chelsea wreck Man Utd plans as ruthless Pochettino chucks Tuchel favourite into cash-plus-player offer

2023-06-04T13:16:23Z dg43tfdfdgfd