Manchester United landed Sofyan Amrabat on transfer deadline day but it has been an inconsistent run for the midfielder.
Sofyan Amrabat appeared to be the ideal solution for Manchester United last summer, an experienced international who could make the team better balanced defensively alongside Casemiro.
The pair have barely played alongside each other, however. Amrabat took a little while to get up to speed and was needed as an emergency left-back, and then Casemiro missed more than two months with injury.
During this time Kobbie Mainoo stepped up and has accelerated his development to become a first team regular, leaving Amrabat unable to get a look-in at times.
He did not play a single minute in the win over Liverpool, despite Casemiro missing the game through injury.
Sofyan Amrabat future likely elsewhere
Manchester United have an option to buy Sofyan Amrabat, not an obligation. And as it stands, there is little reason to take up the £21 million clause.
Similar toMarcel Sabitzer a year ago, United will likely thank him for his service and move on at the end of the season.
Italian newspaperLa Nazione, local to Florence, reports Fiorentina are expecting him back, reporting it is ‘clear’ Manchester United will not take up the option to sign the Morocco international.
It is reported AC Milan and Juventus have already signalled their intent to pursue Amrabat in the summer.
Both clubs are said to have done their research on Amrabat and will follow up when his future is confirmed.
Amrabat not done yet at United
While Sofyan Amrabat is not an every week starter, he still has a role to play, and this could play out next week when United face Brentford, Chelsea and Liverpool in the space of eight days.
His performance at Old Trafford at home to Chelsea in December was his best for the club, and he also featured strongly away at Anfield that same month.
The status of Casemiro’s injury remains unclear heading into the upcoming games, and we will see Amrabat at some point.
There may not be much Amrabat can do to change United’s minds and sway the club into paying the money for him permanently, but he can make himself valuable while he is here. He will be desperate to have some involvement at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-final too, and potentially the final, if only as a substitute.
He will know that even if United do not sign him, potential suitors will be watching his performances, and he can have a more fruitful summer if he ends the season well.