Manchester United star blasted for ignoring Barcelona after claiming he wanted to join the Catalan side
Catalan newspaper SPORT have hit out at Manchester United midfielder Sofyan Amrabat for showing 'contempt' towards Barcelona following recent remarks.
Amrabat joined the Red Devils on loan (£8.5 million loan fee) with a £21.4 million buy option from Fiorentina this past summer on transfer deadline day. The Moroccan midfielder has started his United career as a makeshift left-back.
However, the aforementioned newspaper claims that Amrabat had 'sounded strongly' for a transfer to Barcelona since January. The 27-year-old sent several signals indicating his desire to join the La Liga giants.
SPORT (via Sport Witness) even reports that Amrabat was prepared to give up his entire salary to secure a loan to Barca in January. However, an agreement with Fiorentina wasn't reached and he stayed put at the Artemio Franchi Stadium.
The Blaugrana could have moved for the Morocco international following the departure of Sergio Busquets in the summer. However, it's claimed that Amrabat 'quickly forgot his passion' for Barcelona and he only wanted to join Erik ten Hag at United.
Amrabat previously played under Ten Hag at Eredivisie side FC Utrecht. He spoke of getting a dream move to Old Trafford (via the club's official website):
"It is a huge honour to become a Manchester United player. 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."
The Red Devils midfielder has endured a topsy-turvy spell thus far amid his side's disastrous run of form. He's made five appearances across competitions, filling in for Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, and Sergio Reguilon at left-back.
Barcelona reportedly rule out signing Manchester United star Jadon Sancho
Jadon Sancho looks increasingly likely to leave Manchester United in January following his fallout with Ten Hag. The English winger had an issue with his manager's comments regarding his underperforming in training.
The 23-year-old has since not played or been part of the Red Devils' first team after releasing a now-deleted statement on social media. He claimed he was being made a 'scapegoat'.
Thus, many European clubs are being linked with signing him in January including Barcelona. The Catalan giants are yet to replace Ousmane Dembele who joined Paris Saint-Germain in the summer.
However, SPORT reports that Barca won't make a move for Sancho in January unless an unexpected departure takes place. Xavi's La Liga champions may wait until the summer to see if the former Borussia Dortmund attacker is available for transfer.
Sancho has made just three appearances across competitions this season. He has three years left on his contract at Manchester United.