According to Sergi Capdevila of SPORT, Sofyan Amrabat of Fiorentina is currently in pole position to become the next pivot midfielder at FC Barcelona.
The Blaugrana have bid goodbye to captain Sergio Busquets, who will be leaving the club imminently. His departure is set to leave a huge void in the midfield department and the La Liga champions are looking at various options to replace him.
Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad has always been the preferred choice of manager Xavi Hernandez. However, his €60 million release clause and La Real’s reluctance to negotiate makes his signing nearly impossible.
As such, the report claims that Amrabat’s name is in pole position right now as the Moroccan international generates consensus between director Mateu Alemany and manager Xavi.
The 26-year-old shot to fame after his explosive performances at the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, where he spearheaded Morocco’s run to the semi-finals.
A move in January was on the cards, only for Fiorentina to block it. But Amrabat continues to harbour hopes of a move to Barça, as revealed by his brother, Nordin Amrabat, in a recent interview.
Fiorentina have given him their word that they will let him leave this summer. And given that his contract expires in the summer of 2024, Amrabat could be available for an affordable fee of around €25 million, even though some reports in Italy suggest he could cost €40 million.
The report states that Amrabat and Xavi have already spoken and that the midfielder generates consensus with Alemany as well when it comes to the quality-price ratio.
Zubimendi remains the favourite candidate, but with his signing viewed as very difficult this summer, Amrabat is seen as the next best bet. However, Barcelona might have to face stiff competition from Manchester United in the race for the 26-year-old midfielder.
