Everton are reportedly on the cusp of submitting a formal offer for Fenerbahçe midfielder Fred, with initial discussions between the clubs said to have progressed positively, sources have told Turkish-Football.
The move could see the experienced Brazilian return to the Premier League just two years after his departure from Manchester United.
The Toffees, under manager David Moyes, are actively seeking to bolster their midfield options this summer. With Abdoulaye Doucouré expected to leave as a free agent and other midfield departures anticipated, Fred has been identified as a prime target to inject experience and dynamism into the engine room at Goodison Park.
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Fred, 32, has enjoyed a resurgent period in Turkey since joining Fenerbahçe in August 2023 for a reported €9.75 million. Under the guidance of José Mourinho, the central midfielder featured prominently for the Turkish giants throughout the 2024-2025 season, playing in 45 games across all competitions, including the Süper Lig and European campaigns. His consistent performances and robust style have evidently caught Everton’s eye.
While Fred has expressed a desire to return to Brazil at some point in his career, stating Internacional as his preferred destination, sources close to the negotiations suggest that a return to the Premier League with Everton is now a strong possibility. Fenerbahçe, despite Fred’s importance to the squad and his contract running until June 2027, are understood to be open to a sale if a satisfactory offer is received, particularly as new manager José Mourinho is reportedly keen on bringing in Tottenham Hotspur’s Yves Bissouma as a potential replacement.
Reports from Turkey indicate that Fenerbahçe would be looking for a transfer fee in the region of €18 million to €20 million for the Brazilian, a valuation that Everton will need to carefully consider. The Merseyside club, known for their cautious approach in the transfer market due to Financial Fair Play considerations, will be aiming to negotiate a deal that aligns with their budget.