Manchester United are leading the race to sign Mateus Fernandes, ahead of competition from Tottenham.
The 21-year-old midfielder Mateus Fernandes is reportedly prioritizing joining Michael Carrick's project at Manchester United, despite strong interest from Tottenham and Real Madrid.
West Ham United's relegation to the Championship next season has triggered a mass exodus of star players, with Mateus Fernandes being the most sought-after. The 21-year-old midfielder has made no secret of his intention to seek a new club to maintain his career at the highest level, rather than repeating the scenario of playing in the lower leagues as he did when he left Southampton last year.
In North London, manager Roberto De Zerbi is undertaking a radical overhaul of the Tottenham Hotspur squad. Spurs have already completed three key defensive signings, most notably Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton for £52 million, along with free transfers Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi. However, De Zerbi's ambitions don't stop there. The Italian strategist is eager for a top-class defensive midfielder to strengthen the midfield.
The allure of Old Trafford and Michael Carrick's project.
Although Tottenham have proactively contacted Fernandes' agent, Manchester United currently hold the psychological advantage. According to close sources, the Portuguese midfielder is more inclined to prioritize a move to Old Trafford than to join West Ham's London rivals.
Under Michael Carrick's leadership, Manchester United are showing decisiveness in the transfer market. The successful signing of Ederson from Atalanta for £38 million is proof of their determination to upgrade the team's core. Carrick's presence – a midfield master during his playing career – is seen as a magnet attracting talented young midfielders like Fernandes.
Expert analysis
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed the intensity of this deal. He stated that Tottenham have made direct calls, but Manchester United are the ones currently in the deep end of negotiations. Meanwhile, Real Madrid are remaining on the "waiting list," ready to intervene if the opportunity arises.
Besides targeting Mateus Fernandes, Tottenham are also considering Sandro Tonali of Newcastle, who is valued at up to £100 million. However, Tonali's high price tag makes Fernandes a more viable and economical option. If they miss out on signing the West Ham star, who ends up with Manchester United, manager De Zerbi will be forced to activate other backup options to stabilize the squad before the start of the new season.
Overall, the race to sign Mateus Fernandes is not just a financial battle, but also a clash of sporting appeal. Having already committed himself to the plans at Manchester United, Fernandes is putting Tottenham in a difficult position in their search for a new midfield maestro.
