Fiorentina have agreed to automatically extend Sofyan Amrabat’s contract by one year if Manchester United do not buy the midfielder at the end of his season-long loan.
Amrabat, 27, has been extensively linked with a summer move to Old Trafford, but Erik ten Hag chose to improve other areas of his team before making a late bid for the Moroccan international.
On deadline day, a deal was finally agreed, with Amrabat originally joining United on loan. Despite Fiorentina’s desire to include a buy requirement in any deal with United, the two clubs settled on a purchase option.
According to a new rumour from Italian newspaper Il Tirreno, Fiorentina have protected themselves by placing a secret clause into the deal that will see Amrabat’s contract extended by one year if a permanent transfer does not materialise, thereby maintaining his market worth.
Fiorentina have already received an £8.5 million loan fee from Manchester United, who must pay an additional £21.5 million to obtain Amrabat’s services on a permanent basis.
Ten Hag is no stranger to Amrabat, who was in charge of FC Utrecht when the midfielder was in the academy. Amrabat went on to participate in over 50 games for the club before being signed by Feyenoord.
Speaking after his transfer to Old Trafford was ultimately announced, Amrabat stated that he was looking forward to working with Ten Hag again, and that the opportunity to do so was a major influence in his decision to join the club.
“It was very important because I was very young,” Amrabat explained. He offered me the opportunity to play in the first squad of Utrecht when I was 18, 19 years old. We had a terrific time and a fantastic season. I learned a lot from him, and he may be one of the most influential persons in my job right now.
“It’s fantastic because I believe Erik ten Hag is a coach who will always push you to your limits.” He’s starving. He is determined to win.
“He’s a winner, which I enjoy. I believe I am similar, and I am also a winner. It’s a nice match since I want to win every day.”
