Manchester United must increase their wage offer to Mateus Fernandes, provide more money up front to West Ham, and improve their overall financial package to beat Tottenham Hotspur to the signing of the Portuguese midfielder, according to reports. The 21-year-old is open to a move to Old Trafford this summer, but Tottenham have offered a higher overall package and a better wage proposal, making the race tight.
West Ham demands and competition
West Ham have set an £85 million price tag on Fernandes, but the club is willing to negotiate as they need to raise funds to return to the Premier League at the first attempt. However, the inflated midfielder market, highlighted by Manchester City's £120 million-plus bid for Elliot Anderson, means the Hammers are holding out for a significant upfront payment. The Independent reports that a substantial portion of any agreed fee must be paid immediately.
Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Arsenal have also been linked with Fernandes, adding urgency to United's pursuit. The Red Devils have already agreed a deal to sign Ederson from Atalanta for £35 million plus £3.8 million in add-ons, but midfield remains a priority area for strengthening.
Fernandes' potential and former coach's praise
Fernandes is two years younger than Anderson, suggesting he has more room for improvement. His former coach, Vasco Seabra, told Radio Renascenca: “He has a huge range of abilities. I mean, he has technical quality and he’s a kid with a fantastic heart and mentality. We expected, and I particularly expected, that he could reach top teams very quickly, but it would be false of me to say I expected that, two years later, he could be in Real Madrid’s plans. He was really very young when he came through us.”
Seabra added: “I expected he could reach Premier League level in a very short time. He really had a mentality and a daily commitment, both in training and matches, that made me believe he could reach a very high level.”
United's transfer strategy
Manchester United view midfield as the priority position to reinforce this summer. With Fernandes seen as a key target, the club may need to act quickly to fend off interest from multiple top European clubs. The three crucial steps to secure his signature include offering higher wages than Tottenham's proposal, paying a larger upfront fee to West Ham, and increasing the overall financial package to meet the Hammers' demands.
