Liverpool midfield crisis goes on as top target ‘dreams of joining Barcelona’ this summer

Jason Soutar
Reported Liverpool target Sofyan Amrabat smashes Vinicius Jr in a tackle

Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat has his heart set on a move to FC Barcelona ahead of Liverpool and Tottenham, according to a report.

Liverpool are in dire need of a whole new midfield and are expected to be very busy in the summer transfer window.

Amrabat is one of many names being linked with a move to Anfield. Borussia Dortmund and England midfielder Jude Bellingham is believed to be the club’s number-one target.

Jurgen Klopp has a huge mission on his hands to ensure his side qualifies for next season’s Champions League, and he knows this will be crucial in the Reds’ pursuit of their top priorities this summer.

The German manager has tried lots of different midfield trios this season, with Harvey Elliott the only one in that position performing at a high level.

Fabinho has been particularly underwhelming this term. The Brazilian international has been one of the most consistent and reliable players in the Premier League over the last few years.

Despite this, he has been anything but in 2022-23, and this is a huge reason why Liverpool are struggling.

A player who can operate in the same position as Fabinho may be Klopp’s priority behind the signing of Bellingham.

Amrabat is someone who can slot into that role and would suit the German’s system down to the ground.

The Fiorentina midfielder starred for Morocco at the 2022 World Cup the African side made history by reaching the semi-final of the tournament.

Amrabat was one of the best players in Qatar and his performances led to a lot of rumours about his future throughout the winter transfer window.

Barcelona reportedly tried to sign the player on loan, though Fiorentina were not keen to sell mid-season, while Chelsea made a last-ditch attempt to bring in the Moroccan.

After an amazing World Cup and another stellar campaign at club level, Amrabat is expected to be linked with an exit this summer.

Liverpool, Tottenham, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are all interested, according to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna.

The report states that Amrabat ‘should leave Italy’ this summer as he ‘dreams’ of a move to Barca.

The player has always had a ‘preference’ to play in La Liga over the Premier League and also has ‘admiration’ for Atletico boss Diego Simeone.

Amrabat’s brother recently confirmed that the Fiorentina star “really hoped” a move to the Nou Camp would come to fruition in January.

Nordin Amrabat, formerly of Watford, reportedly said: “Barca were willing to pay a good purchase option, so Sofyan really hoped the deal would be done. But Fiorentina said: ‘No, no way. You’re one of our most important players, we’re not going to let you go now. In the summer, we can discuss a transfer.’

“If FC Barcelona comes forward, you want to take the plunge. And if Barcelona don’t buy you, someone else will”

Barca, and even Atletico, hold an advantage over Liverpool and Spurs, while Paris Saint-Germain have made an ‘enquiry’.

The idea of playing in France does not appeal to Amrabat, however, despite PSG’s financial muscle.

Liverpool and Spurs ‘have not said their last word’, the report adds, after Morocco boss Walid Regragui emphasised the importance of Amrabat’s decision this summer.

READ MORE: Van Dijk nonchalance leads to extremes as arrogance confused with decline