Tottenham Hotspur have secured a deal worth approximately £85 million to sign midfielder Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United, outmaneuvering Manchester United in a high-profile transfer battle. The 21-year-old Portugal international is now set to undergo a medical ahead of a long-term contract in north London.
Spurs outbid United after late twist
Manchester United had also pursued Fernandes aggressively, aiming to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season. However, Tottenham’s sporting director Johan Lange increased the offer, prompting United to withdraw. According to football.london, Spurs topped United’s bid, reaching an agreement with West Ham for the £85 million fee. United decided to walk away when financial demands exceeded their valuation, as the club focuses on recruiting players fully committed to the Old Trafford project. Fernandes reportedly kept the door open to Tottenham throughout negotiations.
Fernandes becomes Tottenham's fifth summer signing
Fernandes is poised to become Tottenham’s fifth acquisition of the summer transfer window, joining Andrew Robertson, Marco Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke, and Martin Dúbravka. The playmaker previously played for Southampton before moving to West Ham. Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi has hinted at further squad overhauls, stating after a season-ending victory over Everton: “From tonight, we have to start to organise and to build a new team. I think we have now to change too many players. We have 10, 11, 12 players good enough to stay. Good enough. Like players. Especially like people. And then we have to complete the squad with the first level of players.”
Spurs also eye Sandro Tonali
Despite nearing completion of the Fernandes transfer, Tottenham remain linked with Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali. Sources indicate Spurs have held discussions regarding the Italian, though they face stiff competition for his signature as well. The club shows no signs of slowing down in the transfer market under De Zerbi’s guidance.
