West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes has shared a telling story about his academy days at Sporting CP, when he spotted Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes watching his game and immediately tried to impress him. The revelation comes as the 21-year-old is heavily linked with a summer move to Old Trafford, with a price tag in excess of £80 million.
Fernandes' Admiration for Bruno
Speaking to CNN Portugal in 2024, Fernandes recalled a match against Benfica's Under-16s. He said: 'I remember one time when we [Sporting] were playing against Benfica, Under-16s. I'll always have that moment in my memory. He [Bruno Fernandes] was off the field. That is, we were playing on one field and he was on the other field watching the game.'
Fernandes added: 'I don't know if it was him and Nuno Mendes [former Sporting and current PSG player], and I remember seeing him and, suddenly, starting to assert myself on the field, yelling at everyone, just so he would notice. I don't know if he remembers that moment but it's something that stuck in my memory.'
Transfer Speculation Intensifies
Manchester United are reportedly reluctant to meet West Ham's £80m valuation, but the chance to play alongside his idol Bruno could make United a more attractive destination. Rivals Tottenham, Liverpool, and Real Madrid are also interested, with Spurs claimed to be 'very close' to a deal.
According to The Times, Jose Mourinho has requested that Real Madrid try to sign the Portugal international, who joined West Ham last summer for an initial £38m from Southampton. The Athletic reported that Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi is pushing to sign Fernandes.
West Ham's Relegation Forces Sale
West Ham have little choice but to sell Fernandes after being relegated to the Championship. It remains unclear if the club are under financial pressure to sell this month to comply with Premier League rules. The midfielder's admiration for Bruno Fernandes could prove decisive in his choice of destination.
