MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JULY 04: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Coach Steve McClaren, Axel Tuanzebe, Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United in action during a first team training session at Carrington Training Ground on July 04, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Tom Purslow/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Barcelona are set to look elsewhere for Sergio Busquets’ replacement, with Man Utd understood to be in a prime position to pay a £25.7m fee for La Liga champions’ midfield target, Sofyan Amrabat.
The Morocco international enjoyed an impressive 2022 World Cup in Qatar, attracting interest from Barca, who tried to sign him in the January transfer window to fill in at pivot. However, they failed to find an agreement with his club, Fiorentina.
As per Spanish outlet, Nacional, the Serie A outfit are open to selling him for 30 million euros this summer (£25.7million). With Busquets off to Inter Miami, Xavi’s side needs a defensive midfielder more than ever. But it’s reported that the Blaugrana don’t have the financial might to meet Fiorentina’s asking price.
United boss Erik ten Hag, who managed the midfielder at FC Utrecht, sees Amrabat as an ideal partner for Casemiro. The report also indicates that the Premier League giants are ready to reach the figure that Barcelona cannot pay.
The Catalan side, meanwhile, have chosen former Chelsea midfielder Oriol Romeu as Busquets’ best possible successor.
They add Atletico Madrid remain in the race for Amrabat and there’s still the possibility he lands in Spain this summer.
However, the Red Devils have an upper hand in the battle for the combative midfielder, as it’s understood they’ve already found an agreement with his representatives.
It must be noted that any midfield arrival at United following the signing of Mason Mount hinges on the departure of eit
United’s financial situation, albeit better than Barcelona, isn’t very rosy considering the ownership saga and Ten Hag may have to sell first before he’s allowed to add another man in the middle of the park.
