Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid rival Liverpool, Tottenham for €40m midfielder, player prefers Anfield move
According to Santi Aouna of Foot Mercato, Atletico Madrid are among a host of clubs interested in the signing of Fiorentina midfielder and Morocco’s World Cup hero Sofyan Amrabat. However, the 26-year-old is also being pursued by Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.
Amrabat has been one of the biggest revelations at the World Cup this year, as he played an integral role in Morocco’s semi-final run in Qatar. The midfielder’s performances have not gone unnoticed with several top teams taking note of his quality.
On top of that, given that his contract with Fiorentina stands to expire in 18 months, clubs are lining up to sign Amrabat in 2023.
Liverpool are said to be one of the clubs showing the strongest interest as Jurgen Klopp wants to sign Amrabat and Jude Bellingham, with the Reds already in the lead to sign the latter. It is even suggested that Klopp has spoken to the agents of Amrabat and will hold further talks in the coming weeks.
At the same time, though, Tottenham Hotspur are also making their moves for the 26-year-old, with Antonio Conte said to be keen, having watched the midfielder in action in Serie A.
Joining the two Premier League clubs in the transfer race are Atletico Madrid. The Rojiblancos will need to add some fresh faces to their roster in the near future with club captain Koke not getting any younger and Geoffrey Kondogbia staring at an uncertain future.
Amrabat himself recently admitted that he is honoured by the links to Atletico Madrid while also admitting he has immense respect for manager Diego Simeone.
However, as per the report, the Moroccan star prefers a transfer to Liverpool, which will come as a blow for Los Rojiblancos.
Fiorentina, for their part, wish to extend Amrabat’s contract but would be open to a sale if an offer of €40 million comes along for the midfielder even in the winter window.
Given Atletico Madrid’s current financial plight, they could very well be considered outsiders in the race for Amrabat.
Sofyan Amrabat is a player in demand, with the midfielder reportedly a top target for various clubs during the January transfer window, as confirmed by his brother.
However, Atletico Madrid are also keeping tabs on the Moroccan international, with the club said to be interested in bringing him to Wanda Metropolitano.
According to Foot Mercato, Amrabat is keen on moving to La Liga, and Atletico Madrid are one of the clubs that he admires. The midfielder had previously praised Atleti boss Diego Simeone, further fueling speculation of a potential move to the Spanish capital.
Atletico Madrid’s interest in Amrabat comes in the midst of uncertainty over the future of Axel Witsel.
The Fiorentina star could be a possible replacement for the Belgian midfielder, whose contract at the club expires at the end of the season, with his father hinting at a possible exit.
However, Atleti would face competition from Barcelona in the pursuit of Amrabat, who appears to be prioritising a move to Camp Nou. The Moroccan international could potentially become an excellent alternative for Barça’s top target, Martin Zubimendi.
However, Fiorentina is unlikely to let the midfielder go cheaply, and Barcelona would have to sort out their economic situation to afford him.
That is where Atletico Madrid might look to get ahead of the Catalans. Although the Spanish giants are also struggling with finances, they may still be able to swoop in and secure the services of the Fiorentina star come the end of the season.
It is too early to deduce anything just yet. A lot will be uncovered as we enter the final phase of the season. Amrabat himself will be keen on making a definitive decision on his future, as he looks to take the next step in his career.
