Fenerbahce striker Edin Dzeko is delighted to see Fred arrive at the Turkish giants from Premier League outfit Manchester United over the weekend.
Turkey’s Super Lig has long been seen as something of a bejewelled retirement home for fading stars looking for one last pay day. But, make no mistake, neither Edin Dzeko nor Fred are arriving in Istanbul with paycheques at the front of their thinking.
Dzeko, even at the age of 37, was prolific in two seasons at Inter Milan. Fred, meanwhile, puts pen to paper after arguably his finest season in the red of Manchester United during 2022/23.
One of the most divisive yet likeable Man United players of recent years, Fred bid an emotional departure to Old Trafford over the weekend. He joins Fenerbahce for around £13 million; £8 million plus £5 million in add-ons.
And Dzeko believes that a Fenerbahce side who finished second behind bitter rivals Galatasarasy next term should see their title hopes boosted by a couple of high-profile additions. Former Roma and Leicester City winger Cengiz Under also arrives from Marseille.
Fred leaves Manchester United for Fenerbahce
“I’m very happy that both Cengiz and Fred have joined,” Dzeko tells Sporx.
“Both are very good players. They will help us to do better.”
Brazil international Fred had just one year left on his United contract. His place in Ten Hag’s team is likely to be taken by Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat, although Everton’s Amadou Onana and Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni should not be discounted with just over a fortnight left in the window.
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‘A true dream’
“Thanks for everything, Manchester United,” Fred writes on Twitter after five years and over 200 games for the Red Devils.
“Today ends one of the most beautiful stages of my career. I lived the dream of wearing the shirt of one of the biggest clubs in the world. Going through ups and downs, I leave with the conviction that I always gave my best.
“It was five years of a true dream for me and my family. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity.
“Forever a Red!”