Mason Greenwood's proposed transfer to Fenerbahce would see him reunite with at least one familiar face. The former Manchester United prospect will link back up with ex-United teammate Fred if a move to Istanbul comes to fruition.
Greenwood's Future Hinges on Fenerbahce Election
The future of the Marseille forward is set to be decided following Fenerbahce's presidential election. Former chief Aziz Yildirim will return to his former post after an eight-year absence after being voted back into power on Sunday. It was speculated Yildirim would follow through with the club's bid to sign Greenwood in a deal that could cost £47.5 million. Due to a 40 per cent sell-on clause included in his Marseille contract, that would entitle Manchester United to around £19 million from the deal.
However, it is not guaranteed Yildirim will advance the Turkish giants' interest in Greenwood. Hakan Safi, who was Yildirim's main rival for the Fenerbahce presidency, was a very vocal supporter of the club's bid for Greenwood. Safi even went so far as to suggest a four-year deal had already been agreed with Greenwood in the event he won the election. Nonetheless, reports in recent weeks had also indicated Yildirim was an advocate for the transfer.
A Familiar Reunion in Istanbul
Fred, 33, and Greenwood played together on 92 occasions over the course of four seasons together at Old Trafford. The pair won 49 of those fixtures and lost just 17 times together, according to Transfermarkt. The only teammates Greenwood has played with more in his career to date are Harry Maguire (107 games) and Aaron Wan-Bissaka (101). Consequently, those are also the only two names with whom he has achieved more winning results.
It paints a promising picture as to what might be achieved in the event Greenwood and Fred do link back up this summer. Fred left United to join Fenerbahce in 2023 and he helped the club clinch the Turkish Super Cup last year. The Brazilian is due to enter the last 12 months of his contract in Istanbul and remains a very prominent member of the team. He has made 125 appearances for Fenerbahce in just three years, averaging more than 40 games per season.
Yildirim's Challenge Ahead
However, Yildirim's job will be to return the club to Super Lig glory after failing to win the top-flight title since 2014. The club has finished as league runners-up in five straight seasons while bitter rivals Galatasaray have largely dominated during that period. The reunion between Greenwood and Fred could be a key factor in helping Fenerbahce finally break Galatasaray's stranglehold on Turkish football.
