Manchester United have signed Morocco midfielder Sofyan Amrabat on a season-long loan from Fiorentina.
Last year, Amrabat was a big reason why Morocco made it to the semi-finals of the World Cup. He joins from Fiorentina for a loan fee of reportedly 10 million euros ($11 million, £8.6 million).
Then, United has the option to buy the 27-year-old player for an extra 25 million euros the following year.
“I’ve had to be patient for this moment but I’m someone who always listens to my heart and now I am representing the club of my dreams,” said Amrabat in a United statement.
“I am a passionate player; I want to bring that energy to the squad, and I will put everything into every action I take for the team.”
Amrabat worked for United manager Erik ten Hag at Utrecht. He gives the Red Devils’ midfield some much-needed bite.
“His committed, high-energy approach to the game fits perfectly with the group that we are building here,” said United’s football director John Murtough.
“We know that Sofyan’s mentality, dynamism and technical qualities will help the squad as we look to achieve success in all competitions this season.”
Bayindir came to United from Fenerbahce in a deal that was said to be worth £4 million. He will back up United’s first-choice custodian, Andre Onana. This week, Dean Henderson left United for Crystal Palace.
When Bayindir plays for United for the first time, he will be the first Turk to do so.
“It is a huge honour to join Manchester United and become the first Turkish player to represent this incredible club,” Bayindir said.
“I have a passion for success, and I will give everything to help this special group of players to achieve our ambitions.”
With Bayindir’s arrival, all of United’s goalkeepers have changed since the end of the last season.
David de Gea played for United for 12 years and 545 games, but he left the team because he and the club couldn’t agree on a new contract.
Onana came from Inter Milan for £47 million and joined Ten Hag, who coached the Cameroonian at both Ajax and Inter Milan.
“Now we have the keeper group fully there,” said Ten Hag. “I think we have a very good keeper group with the arrival of Altay.”
Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are both injured and can’t play left back, so the signing of Reguilon from Tottenham is a last-minute solution.
The Spanish international player moved to Tottenham from Real Madrid in 2020, but he wasn’t as important there, so he spent last season on loan at Atletico Madrid.
“He’s a very experienced player, played for big clubs, played already a lot of games in La Liga, Premier League, so, yes, I think very good background,” said Ten Hag on Reguilon, who could be thrown in for his debut away to Arsenal on Sunday.
Jonny Evans, a centre back, has also signed a one-year deal with United.
The Northern Irish player signed a short-term deal to go back to Old Trafford, where he started his career.
“I am delighted to be back where it all began as part of this talented squad,” said Evans.
Photo by EPA/Georgi Licovski
