Tottenham have reached an agreement to sign Mateus Fernandes, the Portugal midfielder from West Ham, in a deal valued at £85m. This move sees the north London club secure a key target, fending off competition from Manchester United, who were reportedly unwilling to match the fee.
Fernandes is now set to undergo a medical with Spurs, having received permission from West Ham United. The transfer fee represents a significant investment for Tottenham, with the figure understood to be £85m. This amount would surpass the club’s previous transfer record of £65m paid for Dominic Solanke.
The 21-year-old midfielder was a primary target for Tottenham after their £80m offer for Sandro Tonali was rejected by Newcastle. Spurs have been active in the transfer market this summer, having already secured four new players.
Competition from Manchester United
Manchester United had also been pursuing Fernandes, with his agent, Jorge Mendes, engaging in discussions with both Tottenham and Manchester United. However, United maintained their stance of only acquiring players at what they consider to be the correct valuation and those who genuinely wish to join the club.
Reports indicate that United were not convinced of Fernandes’ strong desire to play for them, and ultimately, they were unwilling to meet the £85m fee that Spurs put forward. Tottenham, on the other hand, were reportedly determined to win the race for Fernandes and were prepared to match any offer made by United.
Decision-makers at West Ham view Fernandes as one of the top young talents in the Premier League, believing he possesses the potential to reach the level of Declan Rice, who was transferred to Arsenal for £105m in 2023.
Tottenham’s Summer Activity
Tottenham’s swift action in the transfer market this summer has seen them bring in several players. Last week, they agreed to a deal for goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, who will join on a free transfer once his contract with Burnley expires on 1 July.
The 37-year-old Slovakia international is one of several defensive reinforcements. Other signings include Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson, both arriving on free transfers from Bournemouth and Liverpool respectively. Additionally, Netherlands defender Jan Paul van Hecke was acquired from Brighton for £52m.
The pursuit of a central midfielder became a priority, but a move for Tonali proved challenging. The Italian midfielder has four years remaining on his contract with Newcastle, having signed an extension to show his commitment after a 10-month ban for breaching the Football Association’s betting rules.
Meanwhile, Manchester United’s focus on strengthening their central midfield has led to an agreed £35m deal with Atalanta for Ederson. However, Ederson’s arrival has been delayed due to a late call-up to the Brazil World Cup squad. United’s pre-season training is scheduled to begin on 9 July.
Fernandes has been described as a tough-tackling midfielder known for his high-intensity running. According to Simon Rusk, who previously worked with Fernandes at Southampton, his tackling statistics are notably high. West Ham utilised him in a hybrid role between a number six and a number eight in the recent season.
The deal for Mateus Fernandes is a significant statement of intent for Tottenham in the current transfer window.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
Harry Loxley is a Senior Football Correspondent at NewsGB.org. He spent his early career reporting East Midlands football. He focuses on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of Derby and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Derby, he watches non-league and runs a fan podcast. “Good football writing follows the people, not just the points.”