Manchester United are reportedly preparing an initial bid for West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes. The Red Devils view the 21-year-old as a priority target as they look to strengthen their midfield this summer.
West Ham, following their relegation from the Premier League, are understood to value Fernandes at approximately £80m. However, Manchester United are unlikely to agree to this valuation, suggesting that a compromise between the two clubs would be necessary for a deal to proceed. West Ham acquired Fernandes from Southampton last summer for an initial fee of £38m.
Fernandes’ Impact and Potential
Decision-makers within West Ham consider Fernandes to be one of the top young players in the Premier League during the last season. They believe he possesses the potential to reach a similar level to Declan Rice, who was transferred to Arsenal for £105m in 2023.
Despite interest from other clubs, including Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, West Ham has not ruled out the possibility of Fernandes remaining with the club to aid their efforts in securing promotion back to the Premier League. However, the club is aware of the challenges associated with retaining him.
Fernandes demonstrated his capabilities as one of the Premier League’s most effective tacklers last season. Simon Rusk, who previously worked with Fernandes at Southampton, noted that his high tackling statistics were not a surprise, highlighting it as a natural strength in his game. His playing style also involves significant high-intensity running, enabling him to engage in challenges across the pitch.
Fernandes was among the top 10 Premier League midfielders for distance covered. Initially, at Southampton, he was utilised in a more advanced role, often as a No. 10. However, Fernandes himself expressed a preference for an all-round midfield role, specifically as a No. 8, which aligns with his defensive contributions and desire to be actively involved throughout the game.
West Ham also recognised Fernandes’ preference for a deeper role, primarily deploying him as a hybrid No. 6 and No. 8 during the recently concluded season. His performances at West Ham showed an improvement in his game intelligence, combined with his inherent strength, tenacity, and stamina.
Transfer Market Activity
Manchester United has been active in the transfer market since the conclusion of the 2025/26 Premier League season. They have already reached an agreement with Atalanta for Ederson Silva, with his formal announcement expected early next month. This transfer for the midfielder is anticipated to be around £38m.
Ederson could be the first of potentially three midfield acquisitions for Manchester United this summer. Fernandes has emerged as a key target following his notable season with relegated West Ham. Reports suggest that Manchester United is increasingly likely to finalise a move for Fernandes to Old Trafford this summer, potentially surpassing other interested clubs.
Journalist Florian Plettenberg has confirmed that Fernandes is now considered a priority target for Manchester United. The club is reportedly aware of his personal terms and does not anticipate any issues on that front, provided a transfer agreement can be reached with West Ham. While Manchester United is preparing an offer, no formal bid has been submitted to West Ham at this time.
Although some reports have indicated Fernandes could command a fee as high as £85m, journalist Pete O’Rourke has suggested that West Ham might accept an offer in the region of £70m. This potential fee is considered more reasonable compared to other targets, such as Elliot Anderson, for whom Nottingham Forest is reportedly seeking a significantly higher amount.
Manchester United has reportedly moved on from their interest in Elliot Anderson due to the asking price set by Nottingham Forest, which is understood to be around £125m. The focus has now shifted to alternative signings, with Fernandes being a prominent name on their list.
The club’s strategy involves using the funds initially allocated for Anderson on two different players, with Fernandes being one of the leading targets identified by Manchester United.
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Source: skysports.com
