Manchester United eyeing up 21-year-old Premier League star as Sofyan Amrabat alternative

The Red Devils are looking for midfield reinforcements and may look to the Premier League

August 12, 2023 at 12:11 pm GMT+1

Manchester United are weighing up a move for Everton midfielder Amadou Onana as they look to strengthen their midfield ahead of September’s transfer deadline.

The Red Devils have already bolstered their midfield ranks with the arrival of Mason Mount in a £60m deal from Chelsea, but are keen for further additions with Brazilian Fred expected to join Turkish side Galatasaray, while Scott McTominay could also leave this summer.

It was understood that Moroccan midfielder Sofyan Amrabat was their first option, and could well remain so, but sources in Spain claim that the 26-year-old favours a move to Atletico Madrid over a reunion with Erik ten Hag, who worked with him at Utrecht.

Morocco's Sofyan Amrabat applauds the fans after the FIFA World Cup Group F match at the Al Thumama Stadium, Doha, Qatar. Picture date: Sunday November 27, 2022. 2KNCPWX Morocco's Sofyan Amrabat applauds the fans after the FIFA World Cup Group F match at the Al Thumama Stadium, Doha, Qatar. Picture date: Sunday November 27, 2022. (Alamy Stock Photo)

As a result, the Daily Mail claim that United are ‘assessing a move’ for Amadou Onana, who was one of few Everton players to come out of their most recent campaign with any credit.

The Belgian has impressed in his 12 months at Goodison Park, and was even linked with moves to Chelsea and Arsenal in the January transfer window, though the two clubs have seemingly since looked elsewhere with Arsenal signing Declan Rice and Chelsea closing in on a move for Moises Caicedo.

Able to play as a deep midfielder or further forward to good effect, the 21-year-old could be a savvy piece of recruitment at Old Trafford, though much would depend on how much the Toffees would demand for the Belgium international.

It was thought that he was valued at around £50m in January, a fee that may only be further inflated given the proximity to the new season, meaning that should they be able to snare Amrabat, valued at 30m euros, that could be preferable.

United kick off their new campaign with a tie against relegation candidates Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday night, but will be without Rasmus Hojlund, who will miss the opening games of the season through injury.