Tottenham win Mateus Fernandes transfer race as £85m deal struck with West Ham
Tottenham Hotspur have reached an agreement to sign Portuguese midfielder Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United in a deal worth £85 million, beating off competition from Manchester United to secure what will become their club-record transfer.
The 21-year-old is set to become Tottenham's fifth summer signing under manager Roberto De Zerbi, shattering the previous club record of £65 million paid for Dominic Solanke's move from Bournemouth in 2024. Fernandes will undergo a medical before finalising the move to North London.
Fernandes made 36 Premier League appearances for West Ham last season, scoring three goals, though he could not prevent the East London club's relegation to the Championship. Across all competitions, he contributed four goals and four assists in 38 appearances for the Hammers, who purchased him from Southampton for £38 million a year ago.
The Portugal international, who made his debut for his country in April but missed the World Cup squad, attracted admirers from across Europe, with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain among those interested. However, Tottenham ultimately won the race after agreeing a guaranteed £85 million fee without add-ons.
Manchester United had been heavily involved in pursuing Fernandes but were unwilling to match Tottenham's valuation. The Red Devils' hesitation over the fee and concerns about the player's commitment to their project allowed their London rivals to complete the signing. Former Manchester United striker Teddy Sheringham suggested United need not be disappointed, telling supporters: "Man Utd fans shouldn't be upset at missing out on Mateus Fernandes - he simply isn't good enough for the club."
De Zerbi has already overseen the arrivals of Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, and Martin Dubravka on free transfers, alongside defender Jan Paul van Hecke for £52 million from Brighton. The club continues to pursue additional midfield reinforcements, with Sandro Tonali of Newcastle among their targets as they seek to push back towards European competition following last season's brush with relegation.