Fenerbahçe have parted ways with Brazilian midfielder Fred after three seasons, with the Istanbul club notifying the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) that his contract has been mutually terminated.
The 33-year-old leaves Fenerbahçe after becoming an important figure in the club's midfield since arriving from Manchester United in August 2023. He made 129 official appearances for the yellow-and-navy side, scoring 12 goals and providing 21 assists.
Fred quickly established himself as a key player because of his energy, ball-winning ability, passing range and willingness to contribute at both ends of the field. He featured in the Süper Lig, Turkish Cup and European competitions, including Champions League and Europa League qualifying rounds.
He was also involved at the start of Fenerbahçe's 2026-27 Champions League qualifying campaign, playing against Gornik Zabrze and Sturm Graz. After the match against Sturm Graz, Fred was seen acknowledging the supporters, fueling speculation that he was preparing to leave the club.
Fenerbahçe signed Fred from Manchester United for a reported 9.74 million euros on a four-year contract with an option for an additional season. His departure now clears the way for a return to Brazil, with Atlético Mineiro expected to be his next destination.
Reports indicate that Atlético Mineiro have agreed to pay an initial fee of about 2 million euros, with a further 500,000 euros potentially due in add-ons. Fred is expected to sign a 3 1/2-year contract with an option for another season.
The move will have added significance for Fred, who spent part of his youth development at Atlético Mineiro before beginning his professional career with Internacional. He never made a senior appearance for Atlético, but his return will bring him back to a club where his football journey began.
Fred's European career included a successful spell at Shakhtar Donetsk before his move to Manchester United, where he spent five seasons and made more than 200 appearances. He then joined Fenerbahçe, closing a European chapter that lasted more than a decade.
At international level, Fred earned 32 caps for Brazil between 2014 and 2023 and represented his country at the 2022 World Cup.
