Jürgen Klopp has reportedly held talks with Sofyan Amrabat in a bid to convince the Fiorentina midfielder to join Liverpool instead of Manchester United.
The Morocco international — who starred at the World Cup in Qatar — has attracted interest from both Premier League clubs but Klopp is seemingly determined to outmaneuver his competitors in the transfer market. Amrabat’s agent, Mahmoud El Boustati, confirmed that multiple sides are vying for the midfielder’s services this summer.
Speaking to Voetbal Primeur, he explained: “Quite a few clubs are interested in Sofyan. It is now a matter of making the right choice. He is still just a Fiorentina player. If something interesting comes up, Sofyan is open to the step, Fiorentina are too. There are two, three clubs that he is open to.”
The player’s desire to leave the Serie A outfit stems from a promise made by the club in January that he could depart in the summer transfer window, reports the Mirror. With Jordan Henderson and Fabinho moving to Saudi Arabian clubs — and Naby Keïta, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain leaving as free agents — Klopp is keen to bolster his midfield options.
Liverpool has already missed out on signing Moisés Caicedo and Roméo Lavia, who opted to join Chelsea from Brighton and Southampton respectively. Manchester United’s need for a midfielder is not as urgent, although there have been reports of a potential departures for Scott McTominay, and Fred has left the club.
The Red Devils’ pursuit of Amrabat may be hindered by their current financial situation as they have yet to finalize their transfer budget due to difficulties in offloading players.
Liverpool has already pipped Manchester United to one signing this year. Back in January, the Reds opened their transfer window by completing a deal for Cody Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven.
Gakpo, 24, had been in negotiations with United but Old Trafford chiefs were indecisive, allowing Liverpool to swoop. The same situation is now potentially unfolding with Amrabat.
