Manchester United are reportedly planning to make a final decision on the future of former loanee Sofyan Amrabat next week.
The Morocco international rose to prominence during the Atlas Lions' historic run to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals, earning him glances from a multitude of teams across Europe.
The likes of Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur were both credited with an interest in Amrabat, but it was Man United who won the race to sign him on a temporary deal for the 2023-24 season.
The 27-year-old featured regularly for Erik ten Hag last season with 30 appearances across all competitions, but his early performances were criticised, as he struggled to acclimatise to the Premier League.
However, as the campaign drew to a close, Amrabat - who was sometimes forced to fill in as an emergency left-back - proved his worth to Man United, playing the full 90 in their FA Cup final win over Manchester City.
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Man United 'to make Amrabat decision next week'
The midfielder's loan deal expired at the end of June without Man United triggering their option to make his stay permanent, but the Red Devils are not believed to have made their final decision on his future just yet.
Reports have claimed that Amrabat is dreaming of a return to Old Trafford, which could be facilitated for just £12.7m, as he only has one year left to run on his Fiorentina contract.
The ex-Hellas Verona man is supposedly optimistic of his chances of a permanent deal thanks to Ten Hag's contract extension, and according to Fabrizio Romano, a decision will be made next week.
While Amrabat's loan deal has now expired, Romano adds that Man United still have the option to trigger his option to buy clause rather than having to negotiate a fee with Fiorentina.
Echoing reports from Italy, the transfer expert claims that the Moroccan is 'waiting' for the Red Devils to come calling, as he is planning to leave Fiorentina this summer before a potential free transfer in 2025.
🚨🇲🇦 Understand Manchester United are planning to make decision on Sofyan Amrabat next week.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 12, 2024
They've still the option to buy Amrabat available but the internal decision will be made soon, next week.
Amrabat, planning to leave Fiorentina and waiting for Man United. pic.twitter.com/HphjN86r7c
The 27-year-old cost La Viola €19.5m (£16.4m) to prise away from Hellas Verona in 2020 and has represented his current club on 107 occasions, contributing one goal and one assist in that time.
Would Amrabat be a good signing for Man United?
Some players adapt to the rigours of Premier League football almost immediately, while others take a bit more time to find their feet in one of the most demanding leagues in the world; Amrabat was certainly in the latter category.
However, the midfielder's talent was evident throughout the 2022 World Cup and Fiorentina's run to the Europa Conference League final in the same season, and he blossomed as the campaign drew to a close.
Man United have already let Donny van de Beek end his nightmare spell at Old Trafford this summer, while Casemiro is also on the chopping block, and it is not clear what the future holds for Scott McTominay either.
As the Red Devils are working around a limited budget this summer, splashing out just £12.7m on Amrabat would represent a good cut-price investment, but that is not to say that they will abandon their search for a marquee midfielder if more funds can be raised.
Ben Knapton
