Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp reportedly made a personal effort to snatch away Sofyan Amrabat from Manchester United during the summer transfer window.
Amrabat, the Moroccan international, is now set to make his full debut for United in a Carabao Cup match against Crystal Palace.
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Amrabat’s arrival at Manchester United was delayed, and he made his first appearance as a substitute in their recent win against Burnley.
However, it’s revealed that Klopp tried to convince the 27-year-old midfielder to join Liverpool as part of their midfield reconstruction, following the departures of players like Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, and James Milner.
Jurgen Klopp made a phone call to Sofyan Amrabat
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According to reports, Klopp was very close to securing Amrabat’s signature but was ultimately thwarted by an unexpected delay in the negotiations. As per Daily Mail, the German made a personal phone call to convince the former Fiorentina midfielder.
During this pause, Liverpool explored the possibility of signing Ryan Gravenberch from Bayern Munich instead, as he was seen as a better fit for Klopp’s needs due to his age.
Thus, the Merseysiders fell short ‘within hours’ to reach the final agreement with Sofyan.
Erik ten Hag ahead of Man United’s Carabao Cup clash
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In the end, Manchester United acquired Amrabat on loan for a fee of £8.5 million and has the option to make the move permanent for £21.4 million next summer.
Erik ten Hag, the Red Devils’ manager, expressed his intention to take the Carabao Cup seriously this season despite a busy fixture schedule.
He emphasized the importance of defending the trophy they won last season and sees the upcoming match against Crystal Palace as an opportunity to continue their positive momentum in the competition.
Speaking ahead of tonight’s game against Palace, the Dutchman said:
“It is only a few months since we lifted the Carabao Cup at Wembley Stadium and we all remember what a great feeling that was.
It was an important competition for us last season and that has not changed this year. We want to defend the trophy, so as we welcome Roy Hodgson and Crystal Palace tonight, this is an opportunity for us to keep moving in the right direction.”
Liverpool is my Religion and Anfield is my Church. 17th May 1996 the date I had my blood coloured red. The one you love the most you can not live without it and that is football to me.
