11 September 2023 , 07:46
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Fiorentina have ensured that Sofyan Amrabat 's contract will automatically extend by one year if Manchester United decide not to purchase the midfielder at the end of his season-long loan.
Amrabat, 27, was heavily linked with a dream switch to Old Trafford all summer, but Erik ten Hag opted to strengthen other areas of his squad before making a late move for the Morocco international.
A deal was finally struck on deadline day, with Amrabat initially moving to United on loan. Although Fiorentina were determined to include a purchase obligation in any deal with United, the two clubs instead agreed on a purchase option.
However, a fresh report from Italian outlet Il Tirreno reveals that Fiorentina have covered themselves by inserting a secret clause into the deal that will see Amrabat's contract extend by one year if a permanent transfer fails to materialise, thus protecting his market value.
Fiorentina have already banked an £8.5million loan fee from Manchester United, who will have to pay a further £21.5m if they wish to secure Amrabat's services on a permanent basis. Already
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Amrabat is no stranger to Ten Hag, who was in charge at FC Utrecht when the midfielder came through the academy ranks. Amrabat went on to make over 50 appearances for the club before he was snapped up by Feyenoord.
Speaking after his move to Old Trafford had finally been confirmed, Amrabat made it clear he was relishing the prospect of working with Ten Hag again, and that the opportunity to do so was a big factor behind his desire to seal a transfer to Old Trafford.
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Amrabat said: "It was very important because I was very young. I was 18, 19-years-old and he gave me the chance to play in the first-team with Utrecht. We had a fantastic time, a really good season. I learned a lot from him so maybe he's one of the most important people in my career for now.
"It's fantastic because I think Erik ten Hag is a coach who will push always to the limit. He's hungry. He wants to win.
"He's a winner and I like that. I think I'm also similar, I'm also a winner. I want to win every day so it's a good match."