Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed the signing of Mateus Fernandes on a permanent deal from Premier League rivals West Ham United. The move sees Spurs beat Manchester United to the Portugal international’s signature, who had been heavily linked with a move away from the London Stadium following West Ham's relegation to the Championship.
Fernandes Becomes Fifth Summer Signing for Spurs
Fernandes becomes the fifth new signing for Tottenham this summer as manager Roberto De Zerbi continues his plans for the new Premier League season. Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Martin Dubravka and Jan Paul van Hecke have all been signed by Spurs, and now Fernandes joins that list after an £85 million deal was agreed with West Ham.
Reports emerged earlier this week claiming that Spurs had agreed a deal to sign Fernandes, having moved ahead of Manchester United in the battle to secure the playmaker's services.
Fernandes Breaks Silence After Move
Speaking after the transfer was confirmed, Fernandes expressed his delight at joining Tottenham. "I am thrilled to be here and can't wait to get started," he said. "Tottenham is a massive club with great ambition, and I believe we can achieve something special under the manager."
Fernandes scored four goals across 38 appearances for West Ham last season as they were relegated from the Premier League. The 21-year-old spent just one season with the Hammers following his £40 million move from Southampton 12 months ago.
Spurs Prepare for Pre-Season and Premier League Opener
Tottenham do not have long to wait before they are back in pre-season action as they prepare for the new campaign. De Zerbi and his squad will travel to Australia and New Zealand, where they will have friendlies against Sydney FC, Auckland FC and Chelsea.
That will all be the build-up to the Premier League opener against Brentford on August 22 as Spurs travel to the Gtech Community Stadium looking to secure all three points.
Potential Further Signings for Tottenham
It now remains to be seen which other players Tottenham could look to sign before the summer transfer window closes, with a host of names already linked with moves to north London. Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali and Manchester City forward Savinho have both been mentioned as potential targets for Tottenham during this summer’s transfer window.
