Manchester United already have Ederson in the bag, and many believe Mateus Fernandes could be their second summer signing.
On Wednesday, several major sources, including Fabrizio Romano, revealed that Man Utd have finalised their agreement with Atalanta worth €40 million plus €5 million. Therefore, Ederson is now expected to sign a contract with the Premier League for four years with an option for a fifth.
However, the Brazilian certainly won’t be the Red Devils’ last addition in the middle of the park, as one or two new signings are expected to join him in Carrington.
Mateus Fernandes expected to join Man Utd
(Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
In recent weeks, Mateus Fernandes has been climbing his way up Jason Wilcox’s shortlist, especially with Sandro Tonali and Elliot Anderson considered almost unattainable, at least at the current asking prices.
The 21-year-old is a Portuguese international who rose through the ranks of Sporting CP before joining Southampton in 2024. Despite the Saints’ disastrous Premier League campaign, he showed enough promise to earn a £40 million move to West Ham last summer. But unfortunately for the youngster, the Hammers suffered a similar fate.
With the East Londoners demoted to the Championship, Fernandes is widely expected to leave the club, and it has been reported that Man Utd is leading the race for his services.
Moreover, BBC journalist Simon Stone fully expects the midfielder to sign for the Red Devils, and would be ‘surprised if he doesn’t.
🚨🚨🗣️ JUST IN: @sistoney67 on Mateus Fernandes to Manchester United:
“I would be SURPRISED if that deal DIDN’T get done.” #MUFC [@BBCSounds] pic.twitter.com/D0nqsyZz2n
— mufcmpb (@mufcMPB) June 3, 2026
Is Fernandes the right profile for Man Utd?
Interestingly, Mateus had identified his compatriot Bruno Fernandes as his role model, and the latter had reportedly identified him as his potential successor at Old Trafford, even though he usually plays in a deeper role (mostly as a box-to-box midfielder). Therefore, playing alongside his idol would be a dream come true for the young midfielder.
However, one might argue that the West Ham man cannot be considered a marquee signing, as he isn’t in the same calibre as Aurelien Tchouameni or Anderson, at least not yet.
The middle of the park is arguably the most sensitive area of the pitch, and if Man Utd don’t round off their summer by bringing a true commander with significant experience to complement Mainoo and Fernandes, they might end up regretting Casemiro’s departure.
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