Amrabat price stand-off emerges as Al Ittihad and Fenerbahce haggle over €5m gap

Al Ittihad’s move for Sofyan Amrabat has hit a snag after Fenerbahce refused to lower their €20m valuation, leaving a €5m difference with the Saudi club’s offer, according to reports in Turkey.

The Jeddah side have made the Morocco international a priority target for this summer as new head coach Jens Vessing looks to reinforce his midfield before the start of the new season.

Turkish outlet Fanatik reports that Al Ittihad have submitted a formal bid worth €15m, plus performance-related add-ons and bonuses, in an attempt to persuade Fenerbahce to sell the 27-year-old.

However, Fenerbahce are said to be holding out for a fixed €20m fee, without counting incentives, to agree to Amrabat’s departure. That firm stance has created a €5m shortfall between the two clubs’ positions.

Negotiations ongoing despite valuation gap

Despite the financial impasse, talks between Al Ittihad and Fenerbahce are understood to be continuing as both sides explore a compromise acceptable to all parties.

Al Ittihad see Amrabat as one of the standout candidates to strengthen the holding midfield role following the exit of Brazilian midfielder Fabinho, whose spell at the club has come to an end.

Vessing, the German coach recently appointed by the Saudi Pro League side, is keen to bring in a foreign defensive midfielder and has specifically requested the signing of Amrabat as part of his rebuilding plans.

Club officials at Al Ittihad are therefore expected to keep pushing for an agreement, with the structure of potential add-ons and guaranteed payments likely to be central to any breakthrough.

Key role at Fenerbahce and international profile

Amrabat is regarded as a core member of the Fenerbahce squad and remains an important figure for the Turkish club.

Before joining Fenerbahce, the midfielder played for Fiorentina and spent time at Manchester United, adding significant experience in Europe’s major leagues to his profile.

On the international stage, Amrabat has been a prominent performer for Morocco at major tournaments, enhancing his reputation and ensuring he features on the shortlist of several clubs during the current transfer window.

That combination of European and international pedigree is a major factor in Fenerbahce’s insistence on their €20m asking price and in Al Ittihad’s determination to pursue the deal.

For now, the two clubs remain some distance apart over the fee, with the €5m gap at the heart of whether Amrabat’s proposed move to the Saudi Pro League will progress or stall.