Manchester United have finally reached an agreement to sign Sofyan Amrabat with Fabrizio Romano revealing his move will initially go through on loan but will ultimately see Fiorentina achieve their desired asking price for the star.
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United boss Erik ten Hag has made no secret of his desire to strengthen the base of his midfield this summer with the Moroccan emerging as his No 1 target. And while personal terms with the player were agreed weeks ago, striking an agreement with Fiorentina has proved anything but easy.
The Serie A club was eager to sell the player, whose contract was slated to expire next summer, but their asking of €30 million has made it difficult for United to comply with FFP requirements.
As a result, other teams made the decision to take a gamble and try to sneak the Amrabat trade through United. The 27-year-old, who previously represented Utrecht under Ten Hag, has prioritized his move to Old Trafford. Fulham was one of the organizations who made an effort to outbid United for the services of the World Cup semifinalist.
Knowing that United though were Amrabat’s only choice, the two clubs have been locked in talks through the night and again early on Friday morning to reach an agreement.
Efforts to initially sign Amrabat on loan with an option to buy have been waved away, forcing United back to the drawing board.
However, Romano has on Friday lunchtime given the deal his trademark ‘Here we Go’ green light, with United paying Fiorentina a deal which could ultimately be worth €35m (£29.94m).
Amrabat will now fly to Manchester immediately to undergo a medical.
Details of Sofyan Amrabat transfer to Man Utd revealed
And if that goes through without a hitch, the player will be confirmed as the club’s final, and seventh, signing of the summer.
In addition, he says La Viola will receive an initial €10 million fee for a loan move that is valid until June 2024, adding more details on the package United will pay.
That agreement includes a clause that United must make permanent for an additional €20 million next summer, along with an additional €5 million in add-ons and bonuses.
In the end, Fiorentina will receive the whole amount they requested for Amrabat.
He will probably be qualified to make his debut in the game against Brighton at Old Trafford on September 16 if the transaction goes through without any problems.