Fenerbahce coach Ismail Kartal insists that nothing is ‘finished’ yet regarding Fred’s departure from Premier League giants Manchester United.
According to the ever-reliable Fabrizio Romano, Fenerbahce’s latest offer – one in the region of £12 million with add-ons included – was deemed acceptable by Manchester United on Thursday afternoon.
Fred, he adds, should be on his way to Turkey imminently; undergoing a medical before putting pen to paper with the Super Lig powerhouses.
Fenerbahce agree Fred deal with Manchester United
Speaking after Fenerbahce’s 3-1 UEFA Conference League qualifier victory over NK Maribor, however, coach Ismail Kartal has played down suggestions that a deal for the experienced Brazil international is done. It is not, as he says, ‘finished’.
Then again, while the long-serving Man United midfielder might not have been officially unveiled by the Istanbul outfit just yet, it seems only a matter of time before that changes.
“There’s nothing finished about Fred so far. It wouldn’t be right to talk about something unfinished,” Kartal tells Fanatik. “Let’s wait and see.”
Erik ten Hag is keen to move on from a player who joined United from Shakhtar Donetsk for a fee of £52 million back in 2018. Despite an impressive 2022/23 campaign – Fred scoring six goals and setting up six more while being freed up to push forward by the addition of Casemiro – Ten Hag wants a younger, more technically-competent footballer in his engine room.
Hence the pursuit of Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat.
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Fred out and Sofyan Amrabat in
“He had an unbelievable World Cup,” former United defender David May tells The Webby & O’Neill Youtube Channel about the £25 million-rated Morocco international.
“He would be the perfect age for us. He’s approaching his prime. He’s not expensive either. If we can offload a couple, then he’d be the addition that I’d like to see.”
Amrabat has reportedly agreed personal terms with the Red Devils already (Alfredo Pedulla). What’s more, Fiorentina are already lining up potential replacements.
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