Fred Requests Exit Despite Kartal's Backing
İsmail Kartal said Fred would stay after the Górnik Zabrze match. But the Brazilian midfielder has told the club he wants to leave. His performance in that match tells a different story.
Kartal Said He'd Stay — Fred Feels Differently
In a summer marked by expected departures at Fenerbahçe, Fred was one of the names on that list — despite being a player İsmail Kartal trusts deeply. After the Górnik Zabrze match, Kartal gave a direct answer when asked about the veteran Brazilian midfielder's future, stating he would remain part of the squad this season.
However, the picture has since shifted. With interest from Atletico Mineiro and Flamengo still active, Fred's agent is reported to have traveled to Istanbul for exit talks, and the player has reportedly informed Fenerbahçe's management of his decision to leave.
Management Open to a Departure Too
Club officials are said to be open to Fred's exit if a good offer arrives, largely driven by the need to free up space in the foreign-player quota. At 33, Fred has entered the final year of his contract — meaning a decision from both sides is likely this summer.
Still Delivering on the Pitch
Despite the exit talk, Fred's most recent performance shows he remains one of the squad's most reliable presences. According to StatsLook data, Fred played the full 90 minutes against Górnik Zabrze and posted a strong 7.66 rating in his only appearance so far this campaign.
Among central midfielders in this Champions League qualifying round, Fred ranks 1st in key passes (3.00 per 90). He also tops the charts in big chances created (1.00 per 90) and total shots (2.00 per 90), showing he's not just building play but contributing directly to goal-scoring opportunities. A 92% pass accuracy further underlines his reliability on the ball.
His defensive output stands out too: he ranks 1st in duels won (5.00 per 90), ball recoveries (5.00 per 90), and tackles (2.00 per 90) — confirming a genuinely two-way contribution at both ends of the pitch.
A Dilemma for Fenerbahçe
The numbers show Fred can still perform at a high level despite his age — particularly in key passes and duel metrics, where he ranks among the best in this competition. But the foreign-quota squeeze and the player's own wishes leave the club with a tough call: keep a proven veteran still producing value on the pitch, or make room for younger signings.
This article is based on reporting by Haber Merkezi via NTV Spor. Statistics sourced from the StatsLook database.
