Fred’s Transfer: Fenerbahce Swoops In as Man Utd Reshapes Midfield for the New Season
Manchester United has accepted an offer from Fenerbahce, the Turkish Super Lig runners-up, for Brazilian midfielder Fred. Despite initial interest from Galatasaray, Fenerbahce emerged victorious in securing the player with a more suitable offer. On August 10th, Man Utd agreed to Fenerbahce’s proposal of $17 million, as reported by Team Talk. Both Fenerbahce and Fred have also reached a personal agreement.
Fred lost his starting position at Man Utd last season, with the recruitment of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen by coach Erik Ten Hag. This summer, the addition of Mason Mount and the retention of Scott McTominay would likely relegate the Brazilian midfielder to the fifth-choice in the midfield lineup.
Fred’s departure could pave the way for Sofyan Amrabat to join Man Utd. Amrabat, with one year remaining on his contract with Fiorentina, is valued at approximately $33 million. If the transfer is successful, the 26-year-old Moroccan midfielder would become Man Utd’s fourth significant signing this summer.
Earlier signings by the “Red Devils” include the $70 million acquisition of Mason Mount from Chelsea, $60 million for goalkeeper Andre Onana from Inter Milan, and $83 million for forward Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta.
Apart from Fred, Man Utd has also facilitated other departures, such as loaning Donny Van de Beek to Sociedad, selling Alex Telles to Al Nassr, and transferring Anthony Elanga to Nottingham Forest and Harry Maguire to West Ham. These transactions have yielded a total of around $82 million.
Fred joined Man Utd from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2018 for $59 million. Over five seasons, the 30-year-old Brazilian midfielder played 213 matches, scoring 14 goals and winning the EFL Cup. Fred has also represented Brazil in the Copa America 2021 final, as well as the quarterfinals of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
On August 14th, in their opening match of the 2023-2024 Premier League season, Man Utd will face Wolves. Subsequently, the “Red Devils” will visit Tottenham and Arsenal before hosting Nottingham. 
