Despite Tottenham Hotspur’s latest attempts to become frontrunners for Mateus Fernandes, Manchester United are still expected to come out on top in the race for his signature.
According to Samuel Luckhurst, ‘sources in Portugal anticipate’ that the West Ham starlet is Old Trafford-bound irrespective of this week’s developments.
Mateus Fernandes and Tottenham: What’s the latest?
The reason Spurs’ pursuit has gained momentum so swiftly is that they are the only club willing to meet West Ham’s £85 million demands.
United, on the other hand, would work to reduce the upfront fee, presumably by pledging some add-ons to make the deal sweeter for the relegated Irons.
The West Ham board will know full well that the midfielder has no desire to stay put beyond the transfer window, having also left Southampton last year after they dropped out of the top flight.
| Appearances | Starts | Goaal contributions | Minutes played |
| 72 | 69 | 13 | 5,948 |
Fernandes’ complete PL record
It’s been claimed that personal terms between United and Fernandes are as good as done, meaning the ball is now in INEOS’ court to try and get an agreement over the line before Tottenham make the Hammers a lucrative financial proposal they can’t refuse.
Why United are so keen on Fernandes
The 21-year-old has been deemed a ‘worthy alternative’ to Elliot Anderson, who is expected to complete a move to Manchester City when his World Cup duties have concluded.
Fernandes was unfortunate to miss out on a call-up to Portugal’s squad due to their world-class depth in the middle of the park, but there’s no doubt he’ll be involved for years to come.
🇵🇹🔙 𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗨𝗦 𝗙𝗘𝗥𝗡𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗦 in 2022:
"Which player do you identify with the most?"
🗣️ "BRUNO FERNANDES" pic.twitter.com/jHWibg9JvU
— Rising Stars XI (@RisingStarXI) May 13, 2026
Football analyst and scout Ben Mattinson said of the sought-after star during his time at Sporting CP: “Fernandes is a complete number eight and one of the best talents in Portugal.
“Strengths: passing, through balls, vision, press resistance, stamina, defensive ability. Development areas: shot volume.
“Mateus Fernandes is an all-phase number eight. Solid ball-winner, athletic, powerful carrier, outstanding vertical passing, silky dribbling in tight areas, powerful ball-striking.”
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