Serie A giants Fiorentina have rejected Barcelona’s bid to sign Moroccan midfielder Sofyan Amrabat on deadline day.
Barcelona decided to push for the services of Sofyan Amrabat on the final day of the transfer window. But according to Fabrizio Romano, Serie A club Fiorentina have rejected the bid. It was a loan with purchase option bid from the Catalan giants.
Xavi wants to add a defensive midfielder to his squad before the window closes. And Sofyan Amrabat has been on Barcelona’s radar. But Fiorentina are not willing to let him leave. The Serie A club have rejected a loan-to-buy bid, and Barcelona might have to look elsewhere.
The Catalan giants wanted to loan in the midfielder with an option to buy him for €40 million as an overall package. They had even offered Fiorentina a loan fee of around €3/4 million. But the Serie A outfit were quick to turn it down.
Sofyan Amrabat had a wonderful FIFA World Cup 2022, where he was all over the pitch. The 26-year-old played a big part in helping Morocco create history on the biggest stage in world football. His relentless efforts in the middle of the park helped the Atlas Lions become the first African nation to feature in the World Cup semi-finals.
Barcelona opening proposal for Sofyan Amrabat was loan deal, buy option not mandatory for €40m total package — it has been rejected by Fiorentina. 🚨🇲🇦 #DeadlineDay
The loan fee was close to €3/4m but Fiorentina have turned down the bid. pic.twitter.com/wdGknoirtF
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 31, 2023
Amrabat has made a total of 105 appearances in the Serie A. 83 of his league appearances have been for La Viola. In the ongoing season, he has played 25 matches in all competitions. The Netherlands-born midfielder has been a key player for Vincenzo Italiano, who has used him in 17 out of the 20 Serie A matches.
Barcelona do have Sergio Busquets and Frenkie de Jong in the holding role. But, they will love to have another option. Busquets is not getting any younger, and de Jong is someone who loves to play a touch further up in the opposition half. Signing Amrabat would have given Xavi the luxury to rotate his midfield and prepare for the day when Busquets moves on.
Fiorentina are not interested in letting one of their most important players leave in the final stage of the window. However, Barcelona might have another go at it with an improved bid. But, it is unlikely that the Moroccan midfielder would end up at Camp Nou in the ongoing window.
