Morocco midfielder Sofyan Amrabat rejected Paris FC offer before joining Real Betis

Moroccan midfielder Sofyan Amrabat turned down a surprise move to Paris FC, opting instead to join Spanish side Real Betis during the summer transfer window.

According to French outlet Foot Mercato, the Ligue 1 newcomers were close to securing the 29-year-old’s signature at the request of head coach Stéphane Gillet, who previously worked alongside Amrabat during his time as assistant to Vahid Halilhodzic with the Moroccan national team.

Paris FC, returning to France’s top flight after a 46-year absence, had viewed Amrabat’s experience, from stints at Fiorentina, Manchester United, and Fenerbahce, as a major boost to their squad.

However, the midfielder ultimately chose a move to La Liga, frustrating the French club’s ambitions.

The Parisians started their Ligue 1 campaign positively with a 3-2 victory over Metz before the September international break, but missing out on Amrabat forced them to pivot late in the window, bringing in Pierre-Lys Millot from Brest as an alternative reinforcement.