Transfer Centre

Liverpool identify Sofyan Amrabat as Jude Bellingham alternative?

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 04 December 2022

Liverpool reportedly earmark Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat as a cut-price alternative to Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham.

Liverpool could reportedly make a move for Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat if their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham ends in failure.

The Reds have long been regarded as one of the favourites to sign Bellingham, who will likely be at the centre of an intense bidding war at the end of the season.

Dortmund are reportedly not giving up hope of keeping Bellingham on the books, but the German giants will look for at least £129m if they are to sanction a sale next year.

BVB managing director Carsten Cramer has claimed that Liverpool would be the "preferred" club for Bellingham, but the 19-year-old is alleged to have his heart set on a move to Real Madrid.

As a result, Liverpool could be forced to look elsewhere in their search for midfield reinforcements, and unlike Bellingham, the acquisition of Amrabat would not break the bank.

England's Jude Bellingham celebrates scoring their first goal pictured on November 21, 2022 © Reuters

According to journalist Florian Plettenburg, Liverpool are one of several sides keeping a close eye on the Morocco international, who is now open to an exit from Fiorentina.

Amrabat is only under contract with La Viola until 2024, although the Serie A side can trigger a 12-month extension, and he would supposedly command a €30m (£25.7m) transfer fee.

Plettenburg adds that the 26-year-old would only require a base salary of at least €3m (£2.6m) and €4m (£3.4m) per year, as well as any performance-related add-ons.

Liverpool's interest is believed to be at its early stages, and there are currently no discussions ongoing with the player's entourage or Fiorentina, but the Reds will be keeping a close eye on his performances over the next few months.

Amrabat left Hellas Verona in January 2020 to sign for Fiorentina, and he has since scored one goal in 78 appearances for La Viola across all tournaments.

Sofyan Amrabat makes a challenge for Morocco against Croatia in their World Cup game on November 23, 2022. © Reuters

The former Club Brugge lynchpin has made 20 appearances for the Italian side in the 2022-23 season - including five starts in the Europa Conference League after helping Fiorentina to a seventh-placed finish in the 2021-22 Serie A campaign.

Amrabat was called up to the Morocco squad for the 2022 World Cup and has played every minute so far for the Atlas Lions, who drew with Croatia before beating Belgium and Canada to finish top of Group F.

The 26-year-old is expected to start for his country in their last-16 clash with Spain on Tuesday following England's knockout battle with Senegal on Sunday, where Bellingham could also line up from the first whistle.

Liverpool are at risk of losing both Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on free transfers at the end of the season, while Arthur's loan from Juventus is not expected to be made permanent.

As a result, Jurgen Klopp's side could try to sign at least two new midfielders in the summer of 2023, and uncertainty surrounding a potential takeover is unlikely to impact their transfer business.