Blow for Liverpool as 26-year-old World Cup hero prioritises La Liga switch

Liverpool target Sofyan Amrabat prioritises Atletico Madrid transfer

Following an incredibly successful World Cup campaign for Morocco, defensive midfielder Sofyan Amrabat saw himself on the transfer radar of Liverpool. The 26-year-old who is presently at Fiorentina sees his contract out at the Serie A club in the summer of 2024. [Transfermarkt]

However, apart from Liverpool, Atletico Madrid also were in the race for the player. Amrabat prefers to move to the Spanish capital instead of the Reds, landing a huge blow to the Reds’ pursuit of the player.

According to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna (h/t Liverpool Echo), Diego Simeone’s side seems like a better suit for the player, and Liverpool will have to look elsewhere in order to strengthen their midfield.

It is indeed a blow for the Reds as the player wants to move elsewhere. However, there is no point in chasing a player who does not want to join the Reds in the first place. As Barcelona legend Johan Cryuff once said in context to his own club, “If you have second thoughts on playing for the club, then you are no longer of service to us.”

If not Amrabat, someone else might do the trick

The only other option would be to look for alternative transfer targets who could fill the same role in the team. Liverpool should have a list of backup options in case the primary target falls through. Moreover, it is important that Liverpool do not overpay for a player that seems not so highly motivated to join the club.

With the transfer window still long to go, it is also essential to remain calm and not rush into a decision, as the transfer window is long and offers many opportunities to recruit the right player. The Reds stand linked with a whole lot of other midfielders, including the likes of Jude Bellingham and Enzo Fernandez who are much younger than Amrabat.

But having said that, waiting for too long might put the current campaign into a fix. Liverpool’s current ongoing struggles with their midfield is certainly no breaking news and hence, that needs a short-term fix until the summer window, when we could actually go out and spend the big bucks for the big guns who would actually want to play for Liverpool.

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Ultimately, the club should act in the best interests of the team, and make a decision that will strengthen the squad for the upcoming season.