Atlético-MG midfielder reveals Palmeiras interest: ‘Leila wants you’

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·1 October 2026

Atlético-MG midfielder reveals Palmeiras interest: ‘Leila wants you’

Midfielder Fred, from Atlético-MG, revealed this Thursday (1st) that he received an approach from Palmeiras before agreeing to return to the club from Minas Gerais. In an interview with Charla Podcast, the player said that his agent, a Palmeiras supporter, even suggested a move to Verdão and said that Leila Pereira wanted to sign him.

According to Fred, however, the possibility of playing for Palmeiras did not move forward because his priority was to return to Atlético-MG, the club he has supported since childhood and where he began his development.

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My agent is from São Paulo and supports Palmeiras. He said: ‘Let’s go to Palmeiras, Leila wants to bring you in.’ I said: ‘No, in Brazil, right now, it’s Galo, there’s no other way. Otherwise, I’ll stay here.’

Fred was at Fenerbahçe in Turkey and was still under contract with the club. According to the player, there were also transfer possibilities to Qatar, where he could have earned more money.

I had a market in Qatar, I could have made more money. I still had two more years on my contract with Fenerbahçe. I said: ‘I can’t do it, this is my moment to return to Galo. I need to fulfill this dream of playing at home.’

A childhood dream weighed heavily in the decision

His connection with Atlético-MG was decisive in Fred giving up other possibilities on the market. The player returned to Brazil in August, after 13 years playing in European football.

Atlético paid 2 million euros (around R$ 11.9 million) to Fenerbahçe for the midfielder’s release, plus another 500,000 euros tied to performance-related bonuses. Fred signed a contract with Galo until the end of 2029.

At his official presentation, the player had already highlighted his special relationship with the club.

I always had a dream of wearing this shirt. (…) I’ve been a supporter since childhood, I support Atlético Mineiro, and now being able to think about representing this team, wearing this shirt again, for me, is a dream come true.

Strong start at Galo

Since his debut for Atlético, Fred has been used as one of the team’s main midfield references. The player has recorded one goal and three assists in eight matches for the club. He was also decisive in Atlético’s qualification for the Copa do Brasil semifinals, scoring in the win over Cruzeiro.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.