Liverpool ready to raise stakes amid belief £35.4m offer can secure signing of outstanding midfielder
Liverpool are eyeing a swoop for Fiorentina midfielder and World Cup star Sofyan Amrabat as an alternative to Enzo Fernandez, according to reports.
While there have been widespread claims the Reds had triggered Fernandez’s £120m release clause, it has been revealed today that this is not the case.
Amrabat could represent an excellent alternative, after attracting widespread interest following a fantastic tournament playing for Morocco in the World Cup.
The added benefit of opting for Amrabat is that Liverpool will save a whopping £85m, as the Reds believe that a bid of just £35.4m will be enough to convince Fiorentina to sell, according to Gazzetta Dello Sport.
The Italian outlet suggests that the Reds are leading the pursuit of the African, with Liverpool keen to reinforce themselves in the middle of the pitch.
While Fiorentina want to keep hold of their player, Amrabat is reportedly trying to force a move to a Champions League club this winter.
Since joining the Italian side from Hellas Verona in January 2o2o, Amrabat has gained a reputation as one of the best defensive midfielders in Serie A.
This season, the 26-year-old has averaged 1.2 successful tackles and 0.8 interceptions across 13 league appearances for Fiorentina.
Where he really stood out though was in the World Cup, when he was one of the star performers for Morocco, as they made history by becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals.
Following the tournament, Amrabat has attracted interest from the likes of Tottenham, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, but the player’s agent has reportedly made it clear that he favours a move to Anfield.
Klopp makes midfield reinforcements Liverpool’s January priority
Liverpool recently confirmed the signing of exciting Dutch attacker Cody Gakpo, but have now turned their attention to bolstering their midfield.
With that in mind, Klopp has now put his entire focus on strengthening that area not just in January, but in the summer window too.
With Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain likely to leave as free agents at the end of their contracts, Liverpool have big vacancies to fill.
There are also theories that James Milner may retire at the end of the season, as he turns 37 next week. Fabinho isn’t getting any younger either and while Harvey Elliot is an excellent prospect, some world-class cover at Anfield wouldn’t go amiss.
It is well documented that Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham is top of Klopp’s wish list, who reportedly has a lower-than-expected release clause in his contract, but, the Reds may have to wait until the end of the season to sign him.
Fernandez, on the other hand, is another central midfielder who was fantastic in the World Cup.
There have been rumours circulating of late that Liverpool had triggered the Argentine’s whopping £120m release clause, but developments today suggest that the reports were incorrect.
Sofyan Amrabat could definitely be a fantastic option for Klopp to have at his disposal.
An aggressive defensive midfielder has always been popular with the Liverpool faithful and he could make an excellent long-term replacement for Fabinho.
Whether their assumption that £35.4m will be enough to sign him, however, still remains to be seen.
