Tottenham Hotspur are on the verge of completing the most expensive signing in the club’s history after reaching an agreement worth £85 million for Mateus Fernandes, beating Manchester United in the race for the Portuguese midfielder.
Fernandes is preparing to begin a new chapter following West Ham United’s relegation from the Premier League. His arrival is expected to strengthen Tottenham’s midfield as head coach Roberto De Zerbi continues reshaping his squad ahead of the new campaign.
De Zerbi Continues Summer Rebuild
After steering Spurs clear of relegation by a narrow margin last season, De Zerbi has been backed with substantial investment during the transfer window.
The club has already reinforced its back line by bringing in Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton in a deal worth £52 million, while Marcos Senesi has also joined after becoming available on a free transfer following his departure from Bournemouth.
Tottenham are not expected to stop there, with De Zerbi still interested in adding another central midfielder. Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali remains one of the club’s preferred targets as they continue to strengthen the squad.
Fernandes Chose Tottenham Despite Strong Interest
Fernandes is scheduled to undergo a medical examination before finalising his long-term contract with Spurs.
The Portugal international impressed throughout his first season at West Ham after arriving from Southampton in a £38 million move last summer. His performances quickly attracted attention from several major European clubs, including Manchester United, Arsenal and Real Madrid.
Although multiple teams monitored his progress, Tottenham ultimately secured the deal by agreeing to meet West Ham’s valuation. United, despite their long-standing interest, decided against matching the asking price and have shifted their focus toward alternative midfield options.
West Ham Receive Record Championship Transfer Fee
The transfer will become the largest player sale ever completed by a Championship club.
Following relegation, West Ham face a major rebuilding process, and the £85 million fee provides a significant financial boost at an important time. The club reported losses of £104.2 million over the past year, making the income from Fernandes’ departure particularly valuable.
There is also optimism behind the scenes that the club’s financial position will improve further. Daniel Kretinsky is expected to become West Ham’s largest shareholder after agreeing to purchase part of the Gold family’s stake, with fresh investment anticipated once the transaction is completed.
More Departures Could Follow at the London Stadium
Fernandes may not be the only notable player leaving West Ham this summer.
Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville continues to attract interest from both Manchester United and Chelsea, making his future increasingly uncertain.
Meanwhile, captain Jarrod Bowen remains on the radar of Aston Villa, Everton, Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea. Despite widespread interest, West Ham are determined to keep hold of their skipper as they prepare for life in the Championship.
Elsewhere, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Jean-Clair Todibo are also expected to move on before the transfer window closes, signalling that further changes to the squad are likely in the weeks ahead.
