€50m market value 

©TM/IMAGO

Manchester United and Tottenham are fighting tooth and nail to secure Mateus Fernandes’ signature in what could prove to be one of the longest sagas of the summer transfer window. The 21-year-old, currently on international duty with Portugal at the World Cup, is the subject of a tug-of-war between several clubs across Europe, although a Premier League stay looks the most likely option.

Interest from Real Madrid, who recently appointed Jose Mourinho, appears to have cooled as they focus their efforts elsewhere. Chelsea and Arsenal have also been credited with an interest, but United and Spurs are ready to pay €90 million to West Ham to win the race – giving the young midfielder a tough decision to make on his future.

His rapid rise has been documented in his meteoric market value increase over the past two years. Starting out at Sporting Lisbon’s B team in 2022 with a market value of €500,000, he sealed a move to Estoril Praia in 2024 and began to impress in the Primeira Liga, rising to €8 million. Since June 2024, his market value has shot to €50 million and he could be set for another increase in October’s update if he moves club.

Huge interest despite relegation trend

It’s all the more curious considering his time in England has been shrouded in disappointment. While it would be unfair to pin it entirely on Fernandes, the truth is that he’s now been involved in back-to-back relegations with Southampton and West Ham.

In the 2024/25 season, he contributed two goals and four assists, with eight yellow cards. After his move to West Ham, fans might’ve expected a little more – and that’s exactly what they got: three goals and four assists in 34 appearances, in addition to six yellow cards.

Given his role as a box-to-box midfielder – commonly known as a ‘No.8’ – those numbers don’t exactly set the world alight. But where Fernandes adds value is almost disguised and only really discernible when watching him in action. He’ll often be the man to bring the ball from deep and progress the ball up the pitch.
It’s an understated quality and a thankless task, but it’s crucial when playing against low blocks. It’s something his namesake Enzo Fernandez does for Chelsea, demanding the ball in deep positions, spraying it left or right, or even through the lines.

Carrick & De Zerbi roles to fill

Michael Carrick was never the most glamorous central midfielder in his playing days at Old Trafford. A lot of the work he did went unnoticed or unheralded, so perhaps he recognises that quality in Fernandes and how his all-round game will add something that’s been missing from United’s midfield. With Ederson arriving from Atalanta after the World Cup, he already has a genuine all-action operator. Fernandes can provide some finesse and composure on the ball to allow Bruno Fernandes to concentrate his efforts in the final third as their primary playmaker.

Tottenham are clearly looking for a dictator of their own. Roberto De Zerbi has wasted no time in trying to get one in, having bids for Sandro Tonali turned down in addition to their interest in Fernandes. They have an energetic presser in Conor Gallagher, a playmaker in James Maddison, but not a genuine ball-carrier who will bring his team further up the pitch.

Rumour
	M. Fernandes
	Central Midfield
West Ham   80 % Man Utd Premier League Premier League

The squabble for Fernandes may not be over yet. While Spurs are reported to have agreed personal terms with the Portuguese midfielder, there is no denying the pull of playing for Manchester United is significant. United are also playing in the Champions League next season, while Spurs aren’t and only just survived relegation themselves with back-to-back 17th-place finishes. If Carrick is keen to get his man, United may have the financial and sporting advantage to convince Fernandes to snub Spurs at the eleventh hour. But the clock is ticking.