Sofyan Amrabat reveals failed Barcelona and Liverpool moves

Sofyan Amrabat has revealed that Barcelona and Liverpool both attempted to sign him in 2023, but neither transfer materialised despite his desire to join the European giants.

Speaking to Voetbal International in an interview alongside his brother Nordin, the Moroccan midfielder explained that Barcelona offered Fiorentina a loan deal with an option to buy. However, the Italian club refused to sanction his departure without receiving a substantial transfer fee.

“They really wanted me and at that moment, of course, I also really wanted to take that step,” Amrabat said.

The 30-year-old described joining Barcelona as a childhood dream and believes he could have earned valuable playing time, particularly after Sergio Busquets suffered an injury shortly after the proposed move.

“I wouldn’t say I would have displaced Busquets from the team, but I could have gotten some minutes,” he explained.

Liverpool subsequently entered the picture, with then-manager Jürgen Klopp holding talks with the defensive midfielder. The Premier League club were searching for a natural number six, but negotiations ultimately collapsed.

“Liverpool wanted to buy me, but that ultimately fell through. Two weeks later, I signed with Manchester United,” Amrabat recalled.

He eventually joined Manchester United on loan from Fiorentina in September 2023 before spells at Fenerbahce and Real Betis.

Amrabat moved to Ajax in August 2026 on a contract running until June 2028, beginning another chapter in his career after missing out on two major opportunities three years earlier.