Manchester United
Premier League • England
Man Utd star’s exit gathers pace as Turkish giant’s derisory offer sees new suitors emerge to replace big-name departure
Manchester United midfielder Fred is now a target for Italian club Lazio as the midfielder’s Old Trafford summer exit grows nearer.
The 30-year-old has now completed five seasons at the Theatre of Dreams after joining from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2018. The Ukrainian club reportedly received in the region of £47m for the Brazil international. And it is open to debate as to whether United received value for money for the South American.
The former Internacional star has made 214 appearances in all competitions, with 56 of those coming in 2022-2023.
But it could be argued that he has not made the expected impact over a lengthy stay at the club.
Only 12 of his 35 Premier League appearances last term were from the start. And it may be that he has kicked his last ball for United.
Fred has just one year left on his current contract and so failure to sell him this summer could see him leave for nothing.
However, there are multiple suitors and it seems as though Erik ten Hag has greenlighted his departure.
Galatasaray are known admirers of the tough-tackling schemer and were first to show their hand this summer.
However, reports of a paltry £4.3m bid saw the north-west giant issue an immediate knockback.
It is said that club officials want around £20m for the Belo Horizonte-born ace.
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And it is unclear whether the Turkish outfit are willing to go that high in their pursuit. But other clubs might now throw their hat into the ring.
Lazio target Fred deal
Fulham enjoyed a solid campaign, finishing 10th when many pundits had tipped them for relegation.
Marco Silva is busy trying to improve his squad and Fred is thought to be a target.
There is also interest from Saudi Arabia as the Middle East nation continues its drive to sign top-class players.
Lazio have now been linked as they look to continue their upward trend.
A second-place finish means the Rome outfit will operate in the Champions League.
But they have lost Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to Saudi side Al Hilal who paid a reported €40m for his signature.
The Serbia international has long been admired at Old Trafford, with Manchester United among many clubs who have been linked.
However, he has joined the Saudi revolution and now the Stadio Olimpico outfit want Fred as his replacement.
That is according to La Lazio Siamo Noi, who suggest United are set to receive an ‘incoming offer’.
They add that I Biancocelesti chief Maurizio Sarri is keen and would ‘welcome with open arms’ Fred to Rome.
It remains to be seen if Fulham make an offer or Galatasaray up theirs for the Brazilian.
But it is claimed he is ‘attracted’ to the idea of playing in Italy.
Whatever happens, it does seem likely that Fred will be on his way as Ten Hag seeks to raise funds for his own recruitment.