Mateus Fernandes had to personally force through his move from Southampton to West Ham last summer — and he may need to repeat that tactic if he is to join Manchester United. The 21-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford this week. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims United bosses have established contact with the player's representatives in recent days in an effort to land his signature.
But West Ham are demanding a huge sum of £85 million to part ways with their midfield dynamo — more than double the £42 million they paid for him a year ago. The Hammers, who need to raise funds after suffering relegation, are understood to have arrived at the sum due to interest from other clubs and a 15% sell-on clause that must be paid back to his former side, Southampton.
Fernandes' History of Pushing for Moves
United, however, may be helped in their pursuit of Fernandes by the youngster himself. Fernandes last summer pushed Southampton to sell him following their relegation, telling the Saints hierarchy that he wished to play top-flight football in order to be selected for the Portugal national team. Despite not being picked for the upcoming World Cup, his priorities are unlikely to have changed in the long term. As such, Fernandes might well try to increase his chances of securing a departure from the London Stadium by forcing through a transfer, which could allow United to acquire him for a fee lower than £85 million.
Southampton owner Dragan Solak recently revealed to the Southern Daily Echo: "Last summer we realised that we cannot keep Matty Fernandes. He actually broke me when he told me why he could not stay. He came to me, and he said, 'If I stay in Southampton, I will never get to play for the Portuguese national team,' and I said, 'Okay, that's fair.' After that, I said to him, 'Okay, bring me the money I want, because we really value you. Bring me the money you want and then I will let you go.'"
West Ham's Weak Bargaining Position
West Ham are already in a desperate position to sell Fernandes, one of their most valuable and in-demand players, as Premier League parachute payments only cover some of the lost revenue caused by relegation. That reduces their bargaining power in negotiations. Should they get the transfer over the line, the Reds would have snapped up a second summer signing and midfielder, having already agreed a deal with Atalanta to sign Brazilian ace Ederson for £35 million.
