Premier League club Everton has reportedly engaged in discussions regarding a deal to sign Fenerbahçe midfielder Fred, according to a recent Turkish report in the Sabah newspaper.
This move signals a potential return to English football for the experienced Brazilian.
Fred, 32, joined Manchester United from Shakhtar Donetsk for a significant fee but endured a challenging period at Old Trafford, with a Carabao Cup triumph being his sole silverware before his departure a couple of years ago.
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However, the midfielder has revitalized his career under Jose Mourinho at the Turkish giants, contributing nine goal involvements in 31 appearances in the Turkish top flight last season.
Everton is actively planning to reinforce its midfield department and has identified Fred as a serious target. The Toffees have reportedly initiated talks with the player’s representatives in an effort to persuade him to join.
However, a potential sticking point could be the transfer fee. While Everton is reportedly unwilling to spend heavily on the Brazilian, Fenerbahçe is understood to be seeking around £13 million. This valuation is considered steep given Fred’s age and his contract running until 2027 at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium.
Fenerbahçe, under Jose Mourinho, might be open to sanctioning Fred’s departure this summer, particularly as the Portuguese manager is reportedly keen on acquiring Tottenham Hotspur’s Yves Bissouma.
Everton’s midfield currently includes Idrissa Gana Gueye, James Garner, and Carlos Alcaraz. With Abdoulaye Doucouré expected to leave as a free agent this month and Orel Mangala returning to Olympique Lyonnais after an injury-plagued loan spell, manager David Moyes appears set on revamping the engine room.
While Tim Iroegbunam is an option, his youth and lack of top-level experience mean more seasoned additions are sought. Furthermore, links to Idrissa Gueye’s potential exit underscore the need for new faces.
Fred’s energy, experience, and prior Premier League knowledge make him a potentially shrewd acquisition for the Merseyside club. However, whether the Toffees can successfully navigate the financial demands and lure him to Goodison Park during this transfer window remains to be seen.
Beyond midfield, Everton is also reportedly in the market for a new striker, as a potential replacement for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who is set to depart on a free transfer. Additionally, the club is said to be nearing a free transfer deal for Kenny Tete to bolster the right-back position.
