Here we go! Fred returns to Brazil after 11 years in Europe

Atletico Mineiro has reached an agreement with Fenerbahce for the transfer of 33-year-old Brazilian midfielder Fred.

Details: Fabrizio Romano confirmed the deal with his trademark “here we go!”: Galo will pay around €2 million plus €500,000 in add-ons, and the player will sign a three-and-a-half-year contract with an option for one more season. The agreement was finalized today by the player’s agent Marcelo Pettinati and Atletico’s CEO Paulo Bracks.

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For Fred, this is a true homecoming: he was born in Belo Horizonte, the city where Atletico is based, and left for Europe back in 2013. The Brazilian’s journey has been eventful: Shakhtar, five years at Manchester United—where he lifted the English League Cup in 2023—and three seasons at Fenerbahce, who signed him from United for €15 million.

Last season, Fred made 30 appearances for Fenerbahce, netted 3 goals and provided 4 assists, while also playing 4 matches in the Champions League with an impressive 89 percent passing accuracy. Transfermarkt values the 33-year-old midfielder at €4.5 million, making this an experienced addition for Atletico—almost for free—amidst the squad’s rebuild.

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