Premier League giants Manchester United on Thursday finally confirmed Brazilian midfielder Fred’s switch from Ukrainian side Shaktar Donetsk.
“Manchester United is delighted to announce it has finalised the transfer of Frederico Rodrigues de Paula Santos (Fred) from Shakhtar Donetsk,” the club stated.
Technically the central midfielder is United’s first signing of the summer as his transfer was announced on June 5, but the fact that the Red Devils took over two weeks to complete the formalities makes him their second acquisition of the transfer window.
“The player completed a medical and has agreed a five-year contract with the option to extend for a further year.”
Portuguse fullback Diogo Dalot is the only other signing Jose Mourinho’s men have made so far.
“This is the biggest club in the world and I am delighted to be a part of this amazing team. To work with Jose Mourinho, who has won so many trophies in his time as a coach, is an opportunity not to be missed,” Fred gushed upon signing across the dotted line.
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“I cannot wait to get started and to meet my new team-mates. I would like to thank everyone at Shakhtar Donetsk for everything they have done for me over the past five years.”
A full Brazil international, the 25-year-old is part of Tite’s 23-man squad at the ongoing 2018 FIFA World Cup. The five-time champions stuttered in their opener against Switzerland, drawing 1-1 against the Swiss.
Fred didn’t start and while he was on the bench, wasn’t called upon in the second-half as the South Americans chased a win in vain.
“This is a very exciting time for me with my focus now fully on the World Cup with Brazil,” the midfielder added.
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Brazil next take on Costa Rica on Friday (5.30 PM IST).
Manager Mourinho was understandably ecstatic over his side’s latest acquisition as he expressed: “Fred will complement our other midfielders’ qualities, which we need; his creative brain and passing vision will give us another dimension to our game. I am very happy he is joining our club and I believe our players know how important he can be in our team.”