OFFICIAL: Amrabat signs on for the summer

We’ve been hearing Sofyan Amrabat rumors for awhile now and learned earlier today that he’d been spotted with the Viola braintrust in Milan, so the news (Serie A’s website says that his contract has been deposited, so we’ll take it as a done deal) that he’ll be joining Fiorentina in June doesn’t come as a shock. The 23-year-old midfielder will spend the remainder of the year with Hellas Verona before heading to Florence on what’s being reported as a €20 million move.

The Moroccan international has been brilliant for the Mastini this year, bringing a bundle of energy to the engine room. While he isn’t the type to pop up on the score sheet too often—just a single assist and no goals thus far—his ability to carry the ball forward means he’s not hopeless on the front foot. His real appeal, though, is defensive: a tireless runner who delights in harassing opposing midfields and winning the ball, he’s the exact sort of gritty presence who should rapidly endear himself to the fans.

Given his struggles at Feyenoord and then at Club Brugge, it’s fair to wonder if he’s just a one-season wonder, but we’re willing to trust the Viola scouting department here. Too, there may be some sort of clause in the deal which allows Fiorentina to back out if need be; since he’s already dressed for both Brugge and Hellas this year, he can’t play for anyone else, and we’ve seen that these winter moves don’t always come to fruition (Hamed Junior Traorè waves a sad hello).

However, a double pivot of Amrabat and Erick Pulgar will allow Fiorentina to outmuscle almost everyone in the middle next year; I can’t recall the last time this team was able to bully opponents, but that seems to be the current plan for the mid- to long-term. Should be fascinating to watch, and Amrabat will be a big part of it.