After weeks of waiting, Manchester United have finally signed Sofyan Amrabat, as Fiorentina allowed them to do a loan deal for €10m with option to buy for another €25m. ‘I’ve had to be patient.’
The Morocco international had been adamant all summer that he wanted to reunite with his old coach Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, while the Viola were equally clear that they would let him leave if someone reached the €30m asking price.
However, Manchester United kept both parties waiting for months while they tried to sell players to raise funds for the move.
When the first formal offer was received last week, it was on loan for just €2m and considered insulting.
They came back in on transfer deadline day and struck a deal to take Amrabat on loan for €10m with an option to buy for a further €20m plus €5m in add-ons.
“It is a huge honour to become a Manchester United player. I’ve had to be patient for this moment but I’m someone who always listens to my heart and now I am representing the club of my dreams,” Amrabat told the official club website.
“I am a passionate player; I want to bring that energy to the squad, and I will put everything into every action I take for the team.
“I know exactly how Erik ten Hag likes to work and what he needs from his players. His coaching and guidance developed me so much as a player earlier in my career.
“I know that he will help to bring out the best of my abilities so that I can help the group to be successful this season.”
As there was no time for him to fly out, the 27-year-old had his medical tests in Italy and signed the contract there.
Fiorentina replaced him by signing Maxime Lopez from Sassuolo on loan with option to buy for €9m.
Amrabat first came to Italy for Verona in 2019 for €3.65m, then was sold to Fiorentina in 2020 for €19.5m.