Liverpool are in the market for midfield additions after a lacklustre start to the season that has illuminated the dent in the armour since failing to fill this void in the summer.
What’s the word?
Currently at the centre of a thrilling World Cup campaign, Sofyan Amrabat has been the driving force from the middle of the Moroccan storm that sensationally swept through a group holding Croatia and Belgium, becoming the first African side to top a World Cup group since 1998.
And now the Reds look poised to intensify the intrigue in his services, with Corriere Dello Sport (via Sport Witness) reporting that the 26-year-old’s agency have already been contacted by the Merseyside outfit.
The report continues that clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur and Sevilla have also been linked, but Liverpool’s early tenacity in the pursuit has swayed the odds in their favour.
Reds ahead of the pack
Jurgen Klopp’s side are indeed frontrunners to secure the ace’s signature, with the alleged proposal of £3m a year in wages trumping the current deal of €1.8m (£1.55m) at La Viola.
Making 20 appearances for Fiorentina this term, the 42-cap international has been creeping into the conversation for the best ball-players in the game and now looks set to earn his move.
Amrabat is also said to be desperate to compete in the Champions League, which appears an unattainable prospect at present for his current club, who sit tenth in the Italian Serie A after 15 matches, 11 points behind S.S. Lazio in fourth.
And, financially, this deal might be more prudent than other lucrative options, with Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg confirming the interest in a tweet, saying the ace would require a fee of more than £25.8m.
Such a shrewd acquisition embodies the route that Liverpool have ventured down under Klopp, unearthing diamonds beneath the ground that other top clubs appear to neglect, returning bounteous rewards in the form of silverware.
However, this value may increase upon an assessment from the Fiorentina board following the World Cup, with the player’s feats in Qatar leading his team to a knockout tie against Spain, with victory a tantalising prospect.
As per Sofascore, the deep-lying midfielder has recorded an 89% pass accuracy in Qatar, making two tackles per outing, as well as 1.7 clearances and interceptions.
The dynamic engine has also only surrendered possession 20 times across the entirety of the tournament, despite his robust role at the beating heart of the Atlas Lions.
Once lauded as “world-class” by his national team manager Walid Regragui, who also said he was “passing a milestone on the global stage, Amrabat has been making steady increments for several seasons, and now appears ready to step into the major league with the likes of Liverpool.
And with FBref recording statistics such as the top 4% for pass completion and 3% for progressive passes recorded per 90 across Europe’s big five leagues this past year, it’s clear to see why Liverpool’s German boss wishes to slot him into the fray.
Amrabat could mirror Thiago, instilling some clarity and swagger into the Liverpool centre, providing a base and allowing forward-thinking teammates to bomb forward and search for offensive openings.
The January market looms close, and Liverpool have established the foundation for a prospective deal to bring Amrabat to Anfield in the near future.