Real Madrid has entered the race for Mateus Fernandes with full force, putting Manchester United on high alert. The young Portuguese international, who has shone while playing for West Ham in the Premier League this season, has become the top target for José Mourinho to strengthen the midfield of the Merengues, in a move that could turn the transfer market upside down.
Mateus Fernandes, just 21 years old, has stood out as one of the most complete players at West Ham in the 2025/26 season, even after the London team was relegated to the Championship on the final day. Signed from Southampton last summer for £42 million, following the Saints’ own relegation, Fernandes quickly became the main asset for the Hammers. Now, the club’s management is demanding nearly double that amount — around £80 million — to sell the midfielder, in a desperate attempt to balance the finances and avoid a collapse after the devastating impact of relegation.
THE 2026 WORLD CUP IS EXPERIENCED WITH LEGO
The need for West Ham to generate approximately £150 million to survive the new financial context following relegation has driven up the market value of its key players. In addition to Fernandes, full-back El Hadji Malick Diouf and forward Jarrod Bowen are also on the verge of leaving. To exacerbate the situation, Southampton secured a 15% sell-on clause for a future sale of Fernandes, which forces West Ham to inflate the price even further at a time when several European clubs are paying close attention.
The Manchester United, led by sporting director Jason Wilcox, has already initiated contact with Mateus Fernandes’ entourage to assess the feasibility of a transfer. According to Fabrizio Romano, negotiations between the clubs are already underway, with the “Red Devils” trying to get ahead of the competition. For now, the Old Trafford club has secured Ederson, the Brazilian midfielder from Atalanta, for £39 million, but the deal has been delayed due to Ederson’s call-up by Carlo Ancelotti. United also aims to sign at least one more midfielder, and could pursue a third reinforcement if Manuel Ugarte leaves the squad. Fernandes is currently the top name on the list, following unsuccessful attempts to acquire Elliot Anderson and Aurélien Tchouaméni.
But the struggle is not limited to Manchester United. Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain have also expressed interest in the Portuguese midfielder, but it was the sudden entry of Real Madrid that shook things up. With José Mourinho back at the helm of the Merengues, the Spanish press reports that Fernandes is seen as a key piece to “instill greater commitment” in the squad. “The Special One wants Fernandes at the Bernabéu and has made it clear to the board that it is an absolute priority,” wrote the daily AS. The agent Jorge Mendes, who represents both the player and Mourinho, is “working to help Real Madrid divert the deal from Manchester United,” the same newspaper revealed, adding that “Fernandes is now one of the club’s main targets and an agreement is being negotiated.”
In light of this twist, Manchester United’s position has become tremendously weakened, despite sources close to the negotiations assuring that the English club still leads the race. “It is believed at Old Trafford that Jorge Mendes is inflating the competition just to secure a better deal for his client,” confesses an internal source from United. Confidence remains high in the corridors of Manchester, with the INEOS group moving forward with the hiring process, even in the face of West Ham’s astronomical demands and the real threat of being surpassed by the Spanish giant.
The outcome of this saga promises to shake up the summer market. If Mateus Fernandes ends up moving to Real Madrid, he could become the latest national talent to shine in the Spanish capital, under the guidance of José Mourinho. Should United manage to withstand the Madrid offensive, they might finally find the creative and versatile midfielder they have been seeking to rebuild the midfield. For now, the future of the young player from Olhão remains uncertain, but one thing is certain: Mateus Fernandes’ next step could redefine the balance of power in European football — and no fan wants to miss the outcome of this standoff between giants.
NOW YOU CAN FOLLOW THE WORLD CUP WITH ALL THE INFORMATION – HERE
Discover more from Apito Final
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
