Author: Barkha Roy
Manchester United have accepted an offer of 15 million euros (£12.9 million) from Turkish club Fenerbahce for Brazilian midfielder Fred. The 30-year-old has been told that he is unlikely to play a prominent role in United manager Erik ten Hag’s plans for next season. Although Fenerbahce have emerged as the main interested party, Galatasaray and Fulham have also shown an interest in acquiring Fred.
Despite his popularity within the United dressing room, Fred has struggled to reach the potential that led the club to acquire him from Shakhtar Donetsk for £47 million in 2018. His contract at Old Trafford is due to expire next summer and, after making 56 appearances last season and contributing six goals, Fred will now embark on a new chapter in Turkey.
As part of the ongoing restructuring of the squad, United defender Eric Bailly is being sought by Besiktas, who are waiting for a possible mutual termination of contract to facilitate the free transfer of the 29-year-old.
Fred’s sale to Fenerbahce, along with Donny van de Beek ‘s imminent move to Real Sociedad, is about to make way for a new midfielder. Among the candidates is Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat, who has attracted a lot of interest, including from United.
With Fred gone, Rasmus Hojlund is expected to take over the number 17 shirt. In addition, Werder Bremen want to acquire full-back Brandon Williams, and United are more inclined towards a sale than a loan. Bayern Munich’s Benjamin Pavard has caught the club’s eye as a possible replacement.
Erik ten Hag’s side are also considering other candidates, including Morocco’s World Cup hero Sofyan Amrabat, as well as Romeo Lavia, who is interested in Liverpool and Chelsea, and Amadou Onana, from Everton.
United want to reinvest the funds from these sales to strengthen the team during the current transfer window. Talks have begun with Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo and other targets on the list include Edmond Tapsoba and Marc Guehi.
In light of these events, it is clear that Manchester United are actively reshaping their squad to increase their competitiveness next season under the leadership of Erik ten Hag.