Fred agrees deal to rejoin club

Fred has agreed a deal to return to his former club as the Brazilian midfielder prepares for another major move in his career.

The 33-year-old remains well remembered by Manchester United supporters after spending five seasons at Old Trafford between 2018 and 2023.

United signed Fred from Shakhtar Donetsk after he had established himself in Ukraine, and he went on to make 213 appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils, scoring 14 goals.

He became a regular option alongside Scott McTominay before later forming part of a midfield containing fellow Brazilian Casemiro.

Fred also helped United win the Carabao Cup in 2023 before leaving for Fenerbahce.

Interestingly, United have already added another Brazilian midfielder this summer in Andrey Santos.

Santos has taken the No.17 shirt previously worn by Fred at Old Trafford, while comparisons have been made between the pair because of their energy and ability to influence games in midfield.

Michael Carrick is also still working on adding a third midfielder before the transfer window closes, meaning any development involving a former United player naturally attracts attention.

Fred agrees summer transfer

However, Fred is not heading back to Manchester United.

Fabrizio Romano has revealed on X that Atletico Mineiro have reached an agreement with Fenerbahce to sign the former United midfielder.

The Brazilian club will reportedly pay €2 million plus €500,000 in add-ons, while Fred has agreed a three-and-a-half-year contract with the option of a further season.

The move is particularly significant because Atletico Mineiro formed an important part of Fred’s early football journey.

He spent six years in their youth system between 2003 and 2009 before moving to Internacional, where he eventually began his senior career.

Fred later moved to Shakhtar Donetsk, Manchester United and Fenerbahce, while also earning 32 senior caps for Brazil.

Now, more than 17 years after leaving Atletico Mineiro’s academy, Fred is set to complete a remarkable return to the club where his football journey began.