Everton Eyeing Fred as Ideal Idrissa Gueye Successor: Moyes Keen on £17m “Big Game” Performer
With a significant summer ahead, Everton find themselves at a crossroads. Several of their veteran players are approaching the end of their contracts, and decisions must be made swiftly if the club is to retain key figures or find suitable replacements in time. According to the Liverpool Echo, no fewer than four experienced players — Seamus Coleman, Idrissa Gana Gueye, Michael Keane, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin — could walk away from Goodison Park on free transfers at the end of this month if new deals aren’t agreed.
While both Gueye and Coleman are said to have been offered contract extensions, their futures remain uncertain. Should Gueye, in particular, choose to move on, it would leave a sizable void in Everton’s midfield — a department where his leadership and defensive acumen have been crucial under David Moyes.
Gueye’s Exit Could Pave the Way for Fred
Replacing a player like Idrissa Gueye will be no easy feat. The 34-year-old Senegal international has been a linchpin in Everton’s midfield, anchoring the side with his relentless tackling, positional awareness, and wealth of Premier League experience. He featured in all 37 top-flight games under Moyes last season, demonstrating his resilience and importance to the squad.
However, Everton may already have their eyes on a replacement — a player who brings his own brand of midfield dynamism and big-match pedigree. Reports from Turkish outlet Fanatik suggest that Everton are making moves to sign Fred, the former Manchester United midfielder currently playing for Fenerbahçe. Sources indicate that Moyes is pushing to bring the 32-year-old Brazilian back to the Premier League, believing he could be a key figure in the club’s rebuild going into the 2025/26 season.
Fenerbahçe Reluctant, But Fred Wants the Move
While Fred remains a central figure at Fenerbahçe, new manager José Mourinho is reportedly reluctant to let him leave without a fight. The Turkish giants are expected to demand £17 million for his services — a figure Everton may find reasonable given his profile. Encouragingly, the player himself is said to be open to the move, and is actively pushing for a transfer to the Premier League, giving Everton a potential edge in negotiations.
Fred’s Resurgence and Adaptability
Since leaving Old Trafford, Fred has undergone something of a renaissance in Turkey. He has transformed into a complete, box-to-box midfielder, capable of contributing in both defensive and attacking phases. Last season alone, he featured in 45 games across all competitions, scoring five goals and laying on eight assists. In the Turkish Süper Lig, he was directly involved in 11 goals across 31 appearances, demonstrating his offensive prowess.
Fred’s evolution from a more reserved, defensive midfielder at Manchester United to a creative and energetic all-rounder at Fenerbahçe makes him a particularly intriguing option. His time at United — where he made 213 appearances, notching 14 goals and 19 assists — included notable performances in high-stakes fixtures. In fact, Statman Dave once referred to him as a “big-game player,” citing his crucial goal against Barcelona in the 2022/23 Europa League as an example of his knack for delivering in tense moments.
Can Fred Fill Gueye’s Shoes?
While Fred and Gueye are stylistically different in some respects, their statistical profiles show some overlap. Gueye led the Premier League in tackles last season with 133, proving his worth as a defensive enforcer. Meanwhile, in his final Premier League campaign, Fred averaged 4.75 combined tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes, compared to Gueye’s 5.32 per 90 in 2024/25. This suggests that Fred is no slouch when it comes to his defensive duties, despite having taken on a more attacking role in recent years.
Moreover, Fred brings something that Gueye doesn’t typically offer — consistent goal involvement and forward thrust. His ability to operate in advanced areas while still contributing defensively would provide Moyes with greater tactical flexibility. He could play deeper to shield the back four or push forward when needed, giving Everton a more fluid midfield setup.
Moyes’ Vision and the New Era at Hill Dickinson Stadium
The upcoming campaign will be a pivotal one for Everton. With a move to the new Hill Dickinson Stadium on the horizon and fresh expectations following a solid season under Moyes, the Toffees are eager to establish themselves in the top half of the Premier League table once again.
Bringing in a seasoned Premier League midfielder like Fred, who is still performing at a high level, would send a strong message of ambition. His familiarity with the English game, coupled with his recent performances abroad, makes him a compelling candidate to anchor Everton’s next chapter.
Should Gueye decide not to extend his stay, Fred could be the ideal “dream replacement” — offering experience, versatility, and a touch of class in the center of the park. At a cost of £17 million, it could prove to be a smart investment for a club ready to turn the page and embrace a bold new era.