Sofyan Amrabat was reportedly a target for Liverpool in the summer of 2023, but he rejected the chance to join the Reds in favour of a move to Manchester United
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 17: Sofyan Amrabat of Manchester United in action with Wataru Endo of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Manchester United at Anfield on December 17, 2023 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Sofyan Amrabat spent a season on loan at Manchester United(Image: Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Sofyan Amrabat was unequivocally set on turning down Liverpool before he penned a deal with Manchester United. The 28-year-old midfielder was highly sought after following his standout performances for Morocco in the 2022 World Cup, where the African team reached the semi-finals.
At the time, Amrabat was plying his trade at Fiorentina and attracted interest from several clubs, including Premier League giants Liverpool, then under the stewardship of Jurgen Klopp, and Manchester United, who were entering their second season with Erik ten Hag at the helm.
The hard-tackling midfielder seemed to be a perfect fit for the Reds, especially considering they eventually bid farewell to Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, both of whom departed Anfield for the Saudi Pro League in the summer of 2023.
Having been part of the Italian side since 2020, Fiorentina were prepared to capitalise on their star player's high market value, reportedly setting an asking price of £39million (€45m) for any interested parties.
While United's primary objective was to secure a new No. 9 - a role eventually filled by Rasmus Hojlund - Ten Hag was reportedly keen on bolstering his midfield options following the £60m acquisition of Mason Mount, with Amrabat among his targets, reports the Mirror.
Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool, looks on from the dugout prior to the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield on May 19, 2024 in Liverpool, England.
Jurgen Klopp was reportedly a fan of Sofyan Amrabat(Image: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Given that Amrabat had come through the ranks at FC Utrecht during Ten Hag's tenure as manager, the current Bayer Leverkusen boss was undoubtedly familiar with the Moroccan's abilities.
The rapport between the duo not only benefited United but also thwarted Liverpool's transfer ambitions. As reported by Corriere della Sera, via GFNI, Amrabat informed Klopp that he wouldn't be joining his squad as he was more inclined towards a reunion with Ten Hag at Old Trafford.
After signing on loan for the 2023/24 season, he featured in 30 matches across all competitions for United. Despite a lacklustre performance for most of his tenure, he stepped up towards the end of the season and received accolades for his role in United's FA Cup final triumph over Manchester City.
Man Utd midfielder Sofyan Amrabat struggled against Liverpool
Amrabat struggled against Liverpool for United(Image: Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
United decided against a permanent deal, leading him to join Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce on loan the following season before sealing a permanent move to the Turkish side this summer. Upon his exit from the Premier League, he shed light on his departure.
He explained that Ten Hag wanted to retain him, but an agreement couldn't be reached for his comeback. In the run-up to United's Europa League clash against Fenerbahce last year, he told The Mail: "I have a special relationship with Ten Hag since I was a 20-year-old at Utrecht.
"He wanted to keep me this summer so I wish him the best, but not for Thursday. I hope they lose."
While Amrabat never did end up a Liverpool player, Klopp added Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch to his midfield options late in the window. The pair joined Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai as the Reds' latest signings in the engine room, one that's become the envy of the league.