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Man Utd must cut losses on Fred to ensure Amrabat is available for Wolves opener

Fiorentina ace Sofyan Amrabat has given his go-ahead for a move to Manchester United after Erik ten Hag named him his top midfield target.

However, after parting with over £150 million to sign Andre Onana, Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund, the Red Devils must raise funds to finance the Moroccan’s arrival.

While the stats show they are right to pursue Amrabat, the sales must take place first.

The Glazers’ reluctance to sell the Theatre of Dreams outfit has put a significant squeeze on United’s finances this summer, derailing ten Hag’s bid to overhaul his squad.

Amrabat’s arrival should cost Man Utd around £30m, hardly an excessive figure in today’s market, but the budget is running thin, hence the need to release one midfielder.

Fred has emerged as the likeliest candidate to make room for the 26-year-old’s proposed transfer to Old Trafford, with Galatasaray reportedly keen on taking the Brazilian to Istanbul.

Man Utd paid Shakhtar Donetsk £52m to land the 30-year-old in 2018, but there’s no chance they can recoup that sum this summer for various reasons.

In addition to his rather unimpressive five-year stint in the Premier League, Fred has now entered the final year of his contract, making it increasingly difficult for United to recover their investment.

Several Saudi Pro League clubs and Fulham have taken the out-of-favour Man Utd midfielder under consideration. But Galatasaray are the front-runners to end his miserable career in Manchester.

Fresh off winning their first Super Lig title since 2019, the Turkish giants have gone on a shopping tour in Europe, landing Angelino, Kerem Demirbay and Wilfried Zaha, among others.

While Okan Buruk’s men intend to make Fred their newest high-profile acquisition, they are unwilling to break the bank to pull the deal off.

United’s initial request was £18m, but they soon realised that such a price tag could hinder their bid to offload their unwanted asset.

Therefore, Man Utd have reportedly lowered their demands to £12.9m in the hope it would allow them to accelerate Fred’s departure.

 

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