Tottenham Hotspur are poised to complete a club-record £85m signing of Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United. The Portuguese midfielder is expected to undergo a medical before finalising his transfer, with the fee representing the highest sale ever made by a Championship club.
Spurs have moved decisively to secure the player, fending off strong interest from Manchester United. The Old Trafford club had identified Fernandes as a priority target but ultimately deemed West Ham’s valuation excessive and have subsequently turned their attention elsewhere.
De Zerbi rebuild gathers pace
The acquisition represents a significant statement of intent from manager Roberto De Zerbi, who has been granted substantial funds to reshape his squad following a campaign that saw Tottenham narrowly preserve their top-flight status. The Italian has already reinforced his defensive options with the £52m capture of Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton and Hove Albion, plus a free transfer for Marcos Senesi from Bournemouth.
Fernandes arrives having spent just one season at the London Stadium, having joined from Southampton for £38m last summer. His performances attracted attention from Arsenal and Real Madrid, though only Tottenham were prepared to meet West Ham’s asking price.
Financial relief for relegated Hammers
The sale provides crucial financial respite for West Ham after the club recorded losses of £104.2m last year. With Daniel Kretinsky poised to become the club’s largest shareholder and inject fresh capital, the east London outfit face a considerable rebuilding project in the second tier.
Several high-profile departures appear inevitable. Captain Jarrod Bowen remains a target for Aston Villa, Everton, Liverpool, United and Chelsea, though West Ham are desperate to retain their skipper. Meanwhile, winger Crysencio Summerville is attracting interest from United and Chelsea, while defender Jean-Clair Todibo and full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka are also expected to leave.
De Zerbi reportedly retains interest in Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali as he continues to overhaul his midfield options ahead of the new season.