Klopp to gazump Ten Hag as Liverpool enter race to sign top Man Utd target; double link to see transfer fee soar
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag
Liverpool are reportedly ready to re-ignite their interest in signing Sofyan Amrabt – and they hope to gazump Manchester United to the signing of the Fiorentina midfielder.
The Red Devils had seemingly moved into pole position to sign the Morocco star amid news he had been available for transfer. After starring in the 2022 World Cup for the north African nation, Amrabat has found himself regularly linked with a series of high-profile moves.
And despite interest from the likes of Liverpool, Tottenham, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, the 26-year-old remains on La Viola’s books.
However, with his deal in Florence due to expire in just 12 months time, the Serie A side have made it clear they will listen to offers. And after failing to get any takers for €35m (£30m), the asking price appeared to have fallen to €30m (£26m).
As a result, Erik ten Hag was looking to bring the midfielder to Man Utd this summer as he looks to strengthen his midfield. Indeed, the two men previously worked together during the midfielder’s breakthrough year at Utrecht in 2015.
However, il Corriere dello Sport now claims it is Liverpool who are back in the running for a deal.
The Merseysiders are themselves looking for more midfield recruits this summer, having already splashed out £95m. Indeed, both Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai will significantly strengthen their engine room and bring a much stronger goals threat.
But Jurgen Klopp still wants another midfield signing for Liverpool. And with his eyes firmly fixed on adding a No 6, Amrabat is once again being strongly linked.
Sofyan Amrabat emerges as strong Liverpool transfer target
Klopp’s No 1 choice is reportedly Southampton’s Romeo Lavia. But Saints’ £50m asking price appears above and beyond what the Reds are willing to pay.
As a result, Amrabat now reportedly appeals to Klopp as a much more afford option.
Reports claim the Merseysiders could make their move to sign Amrabat this week. And to beat United to his signature, they could even pay slightly north of his current €30m asking price.
To that end, Liverpool could add bonuses and add-ons to incetify Fiorentina to sell Amrabat to them.
La Viola, meanwhile, are preparing for the sale of Amrabat by lining up a surprise signing of their own.
And per Corriere dello Sport, the man they are targeting is former Liverpool loanee Arthur Melo.
The Brazilian spent the 2022/23 season on loan at Anfield, but failed to make an impact with injuries biting hard. And while Liverpool had an option to sign him permanently, he departed Merseyside having played just once – for 15 minutes – in the Champions League.
Now back at Juventus, the 26-year-old has been told he is not part of their plans and available for transfer.
Sensing an opportunity to get Arthut back to the player the world saw at Barcelona, Fiorentina are readying a move to snap him up.
Arthur is currently on a salary of €4.5m per year (£74,000 a week), so will need to accept a much-reduced package to make the move.
However, once that move goes through, La Viola will then allow Amrabat to depart for the highest bidder.
Liverpool’s apparent move will give Manchester United a problem. And should Ten Hag insist, then a bidding war could take place over his services.