West Ham has made it clear that there is no possibility of Mateus Fernandes leaving for anything less than a fortune, even after their relegation to the Championship. The young Portuguese midfielder, just 21 years old, has become the top target for Manchester United to strengthen their midfield, but the London club is unwavering and will only negotiate for an astronomical sum: £80 million. This surprising stance puts even more pressure on the Red Devils, who have already moved forward with Ederson, with an announcement imminent, but now want to secure Mateus Fernandes at all costs.
The interest of Manchester United in Mateus Fernandes has intensified in recent days, after they saw Elliot Anderson from Newcastle firmly reject any approach to Old Trafford, declaring a clear preference for rival Manchester City. This setback, combined with the exorbitant financial demands from Nottingham Forest for other targets, has pushed United towards the path of the Portuguese under-21 international, who has already shown willingness to move to Manchester. However, despite West Ham’s decline, Daniel Kretinsky, the club’s shareholder, has publicly insisted that he will not offer discounts or deals to anyone, regardless of pressure from major European clubs.
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The strength of the Hammers emerges at a critical moment for the club, which sees the retention of key players as a fundamental condition for ensuring an immediate return to the Premier League. West Ham is being pursued by giants such as Arsenal, PSG, and Real Madrid, but is not yielding an inch: anyone wanting Mateus Fernandes will have to pay the full price. This stance is, for now, one of the most impactful stories of this transfer market, potentially influencing various movements at the highest level in European football.
Daniel Kretinsky explained the reason for this tougher negotiation stance in statements to The Times, sending a clear message to all interested parties: “We have a very credible strategy. We do not need to sell players for financial reasons. We are doing this to ensure an immediate return to the Premier League. That is our only objective.” The executive added: “Key players are waiting for us. They want to see that there is a real possibility of keeping the squad together. What matters is funding, strategy, and consistency. We have already spoken with all of them. They need to understand that our project is real and serious. Promotion is our only focus.” Kretinsky’s words ultimately reassure fans while also sending a warning to European sharks: only those who pay what West Ham demands will be able to leave.
With this scenario, Manchester United finds itself at a crossroads. If it truly wants to secure the promising Portuguese midfielder, it will need to move for £80 million or risk losing another key target for the midfield overhaul. The red devils’ squad, in desperate need of fresh blood after another season of disappointments, could benefit from Fernandes’ arrival, but the priority now is to avoid a protracted negotiation that could hinder planning for the next season. The management’s commitment, with INEOS at the helm, is clear: following the investment in Ederson, there is room for another major deal, and Fernandes fits the desired profile.
In the coming days, it is expected that Manchester United will intensify contacts and try to close the deal quickly, preventing rivals such as Arsenal or PSG from entering the fray. The pressure is entirely on the English side, as West Ham is not budging and has made it clear that they will only negotiate on their terms. The outcome of this transfer could decisively shape the summer market, with Mateus Fernandes currently being the hottest name at Old Trafford — and only a truly irresistible offer will convince the Hammers to part with their star.
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