New Fiorentina manager Raffaele Palladino is keen for star midfielder Sofyan Amrabat to stay in Florence next season. Following a 2-2 draw against Freiburg in Saturday’s warm-up clash, the ex-Monza coach admitted his ambition to keep the Morocco international at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.
Amrabat, who spent last season on loan at Manchester United, started the game against the German side. Perhaps surprisingly, Palladino handed the 27-year-old a place in the starting line-up, considering he’s still widely expected to depart Fiorentina in the coming weeks. But the new La Viola boss has other plans.
“I didn’t know him as a person before, but a great relationship has formed because I have come to know a great man,” the Fiorentina coach said, as reported by Gianluca Di Marzio. “He has shown commitment despite the transfer rumors, which is why I decided to play him, and he performed well.
“We will see what happens, but I am happy to have him and would be delighted to coach him for the entire year.“
Amrabat returned to Fiorentina this summer after Man Utd refused to take up a buyout clause in his loan agreement. However, he has drawn interest from Turkish giants Galatasaray and Fenerbahce. Both clubs appreciate the Moroccan’s qualities, but so does Palladino.
With Fiorentina struggling to sign new midfielders after parting with Arthur Melo, Alfred Duncan, and Giacomo Bonaventura, Amrabat’s stay could be a massive coup for the Tuscan outfit. Palladino’s statement only increases the likelihood of such an outcome.
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