Tottenham Hotspur are poised to break their transfer record for the second time in a week, as they close in on a £85 million deal for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Mateus Fernandes. The 21-year-old Portuguese international is expected to undergo a medical before the weekend, with personal terms already agreed in principle.
Spurs Beat Manchester United in Bidding War
Spurs entered the race for Fernandes late but secured the signing after winning a bidding war with Manchester United on Tuesday. According to sources close to the negotiations, Fernandes was prepared to join either club, with his agent Jorge Mendes facilitating talks with both parties. However, Tottenham's superior financial package ultimately sealed the deal.
The transfer fee of £85 million surpasses the club's previous record of £65 million paid for Dominic Solanke in 2024. Fernandes is set to become the fifth summer signing for Spurs, following the arrivals of Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Martin Dubravka, and Jan Paul van Hecke.
Medical and Personal Terms
Standard Sport understands that Spurs have been granted permission to schedule a medical for Fernandes. Personal terms are not expected to be an obstacle, with the midfielder likely to be among the club's highest earners. Fernandes is currently on pre-season duty with West Ham, but Spurs aim to conclude the transfer before he returns to training on Monday.
Sandro Tonali Talks Ongoing
In addition to Fernandes, Tottenham are also in advanced discussions with Newcastle United over a deal for Italy international Sandro Tonali. The 24-year-old midfielder, who was also a target for Manchester United, is said to be open to a move to north London. The transfer fee for Tonali is expected to exceed £90 million, which would break the club's transfer record for the second time in a week.
Spurs have already made significant moves in the transfer market this summer, with free signings Robertson, Senesi, and Dubravka, as well as the £52 million acquisition of Van Hecke. The potential double swoop for Fernandes and Tonali would signal a major spending spree as the club looks to strengthen its squad for the upcoming season.
