Sofyan Amrabat was one Barcelona’s top targets during the January transfer window. After raising a bit of capital through the sale of Memphis Depay, the Catalans had attempted a deadline-day loan move for the Fiorentina midfielder.
However, the deal did not materialise as Fiorentina were not content with the lack of a mandatory purchase option included in the loan offer. Barcelona were barred from including any mandatory purchase clause in a loan deal, due to their inflated salary mass.
But as we approach the final stretch of the season, a report from Ferran Correas SPORT suggests Barcelona have not lost sight of Amrabat just yet. He is still on the club’s agenda, as Barça look to shore up their options in the midfield department.
The uncertain future of Sergio Busquets has indeed forced the Blaugrana to explore the market for a new defensive midfielder.
Although Amrabat is more of a number eight, Barcelona have been left impressed by his technical prowess, coupled with his composure – making him an ideal option for Xavi Hernandez.
Not to mention, the presence of Sergi Roberto and Frenkie de Jong has allowed Barcelona to be more flexible when it comes to signing a midfielder next season. It is one of the reasons the club are pursuing a deal for Ilkay Gundogan, who is one of three Man City players on the Blaugrana radar right now.
As for Amrabat, the Moroccan international’s contract expires in the summer of 2024, though Fiorentina have the option to extend his contract for another year. But this will not deter the Catalans.
The report states that the midfielder is valued at €40 million but he could be available for a lesser price due to his contract situation.
Barcelona are aware of the fact that Amrabat had shown immense desire to join the club in January, even willing to play for free during the remainder of the 2022/23 campaign. The club have not forgotten his commitment and are expected to pursue a deal in the coming summer.
Although Javier Tebas has refused to be flexible with La Liga’s Financial Fair Play rules, the club’s hierarchy including Joan Laporta and Mateu Alemany continue to work behind the scenes to enable Barcelona to sign players in the coming summer, and it will not come as a surprise to see Amrabat being one of them.
