Sofyan Amrabat’s Manchester United preference underscores Liverpool’s astute Gravenberch choice
Sofyan Amrabat told reporters (h/t Metro) that he wanted Manchester United the moment they conveyed their interest in him. The Moroccan international was one of the midfield targets for Liverpool before they chose to sign Ryan Gravenberch.
United signed Amrabat from Serie A side Fiorentina in a season-long loan deal during the summer deadline day. They paid £8.5m (€10m) with an option to buy the Moroccan for £21.4m.
The former Fiorentina midfielder has just returned to action from a long injury lay-off. The 27-year-old started his first game for the Manchester club in the Carabao Cup third round against Crystal Palace.
Amrabat told reporters (h/t Metro) that he had already made up his mind the moment United expressed interest in him. He said:
“After the last game with the club, it was the Conference League final with West Ham and from that moment, the window started for me. A lot of clubs, a lot of speaking, talking, but for me it was clear I wanted Manchester United.”
The Daily Mail reported that Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp expressed interest in the Moroccan midfielder. An unexpected delay during the negotiation gave the German ample amount of time to find an alternative that better suited the midfield profile he desired.
The Athletic reported that Liverpool had a persistent interest in Gravenberch, but Bayern Munich displayed no inclination to sell the midfielder. The German giants changed their stance 72 hours before the deadline as the player was unhappy at the club.
Liverpool decided to sign Gravenberch from Bayern for £34.2m during the deadline day leaving Amrabat for United.
Amrabat has played for United manager Erik ten Hag at Utrecht. Ten Hag gave Amrabat his senior debut at the time so it makes sense he wanted to join the Dutchman at United. On the other hand, the 21-year-old Dutchman possesses all the qualities and time required to adapt to Klopp’s style of play.
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While Amrabat could have represented a viable option for Liverpool, given that he’s in the peak years of his career, it’s clear that the Reds boss has harboured a long-standing admiration for Gravenberch. This becomes apparent in how he seized the opportunity to sign the midfielder the moment he became available.
