In a tale that echoes through the corridors of football, Manchester United and Fenerbahce have shaken hands on a significant transfer move. Fred, the Brazilian midfielder who has adorned the United shirt for five years, is set to embark on a new chapter in his career. As the ink dries on the deal, the footballing world is left to reflect on the journey that led to this momentous decision.
A reported fee of €15 million (£12.93 million) has sealed the deal. Manchester United stands to receive €10 million upfront, coupled with an additional €5 million tied to performance-based add-ons. A transaction that’s as much about economics as it is about footballing strategy.
Fred, known for his midfield prowess, is slated to bid adieu to the Theatre of Dreams. His journey from Shakhtar Donetsk to Manchester United in 2018 was marked by high expectations, and his time at the club has seen him take the field 213 times, netting 14 goals along the way. His final performance donning the United colors was a bittersweet one, as he graced the FA Cup final stage in June.
The transition to Fenerbahce is imminent, with Fred scheduled for a medical examination in Istanbul this Saturday. However, the footballing landscape has its own quirks. The deal, although agreed upon, hinges on international clearance, a reminder of the complex web that international transfers often weave.
Manchester United’s move to secure Fred from Shakhtar Donetsk came with a hefty price tag – a staggering £52 million. His tenure at Old Trafford has been a mix of highs and lows, including starting in the League Cup final win against Newcastle United and the FA Cup final loss to Manchester City in the past season.
The narrative of this transfer is not devoid of context. United’s decision to extend Fred’s contract for another year, although seemingly routine, was strategic. The club had long been eyeing a younger midfielder to bolster their ranks, a move that eventually materialized in the form of Mason Mount’s £60 million move from Chelsea last month.
While farewells can often be bittersweet, Fred’s departure from Manchester United is characterized by mutual respect. The club acknowledges his significant contribution over the years and expresses gratitude for his commitment. Manchester United’s figures assert that Fred’s departure is marked “with appreciation and respect for his big contribution to the team.”
Fred’s final bow on the United stage came during a friendly clash with Lyon in Edinburgh last month. As he captained the side in the second half, the pitch bore witness to the culmination of a chapter that now evolves into a new adventure.
The footballing universe watches as Fred’s journey takes a turn, his transfer to Fenerbahce symbolizing both the shifting landscape of club strategies and the constant evolution of careers on the field. As the ink dries and the medicals approach, the echo of his presence on Old Trafford’s grass reverberates, a chapter of the game that’s now etched into the annals of football history.