Manchester United’s recent transfer activities have drawn significant attention, particularly regarding two key midfield transactions that have hit obstacles. The club has reportedly turned down several offers from other teams looking to sign free agents, as well as refraining from bringing in additional midfielders during this transfer window.
Among the notable cases is Sofyan Amrabat, who was on loan at United last season. The Moroccan international was initially expected to bolster United’s midfield but delivered inconsistent performances in the Premier League. Although Amrabat showcased moments of brilliance, especially toward the end of the season when he contributed to United’s FA Cup victory, he struggled to secure a regular spot in the starting lineup. Consequently, United decided against making his loan move from Fiorentina permanent.
Following this decision, Fiorentina attempted to renegotiate Amrabat’s transfer terms. They initially proposed a reduced fee to convince United to finalize the deal. When that failed, they suggested extending Amrabat’s loan for another season.
However, Manchester United remained firm, declining both offers. Eventually, Amrabat secured a loan move to Turkish club Fenerbahce, managed by José Mourinho. Adding intrigue to the situation, Amrabat will now face Manchester United in the Europa League group stages.
At the same time, Manchester United were linked with another midfielder, Adrien Rabiot, who became a free agent after leaving Juventus. The French international attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham, and United.
Rabiot’s agent and mother, Veronique Rabiot, engaged in negotiations with these clubs. Rumors suggested that United might pursue Rabiot as a replacement for Christian Eriksen, who was linked with a move to Anderlecht.
However, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano quickly dismissed these rumors. Romano reported that Rabiot was offered to Manchester United multiple times during the summer transfer window, but the club consistently declined. United had no plans to part with Eriksen or sign Rabiot as a replacement.
Additionally, Rabiot’s high wage demands made a move to Europe difficult. Ultimately, Rabiot agreed to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, where he will reunite with former Juventus teammate Cristiano Ronaldo. This move underscores the growing influence of the Saudi Pro League in attracting top European players.
Overall, Manchester United’s decisions regarding Amrabat and Rabiot highlight the complexities of transfer negotiations, balancing financial demands, player performance, and long-term strategy. United’s cautious approach reflects their commitment to building a strong squad for the upcoming season.
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