Matheus Fernandes
(Credit: Hasan Karim)
Jack Dawson
Sun 22 June 2025 12:10, UK
Mateus Fernandes has been linked to Leeds United throughout the transfer window.
The Southampton midfielder was one of the Saints’ bright sparks last season despite their awful Premier League campaign.
The 20-year-old is already seen as one of the best talents with plenty of potential for the Premier League.
Therefore, Leeds are looking to add Fernandes to their squad this summer in an attempt to bring more attacking quality to Elland Road.
Daniel Farke
Farke wants to sign Fernandes (Credit: Imago)
Fernandes to ‘focus on his holiday’ amid Leeds rumours
Daniel Farke is desperate to bring new signings this summer as the Peacocks prepare for a battle for Premier League survival.
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Therefore, the German will be annoyed that Jaka Bijol’s transfer to Leeds has been delayed.
However, the Yorkshire side may have now received a boost in their pursuit of Fernandes as the youngster reveals how unhappy he was at the Saints last season.
Leeds could pay up to £30million for Fernandes this summer in what would be one of the Yorkshire club’s most expensive purchases.
The attacking midfielder had been away with Portugal’s Under 21s and he was part of the team that was knocked out of the European Championship on Saturday by the Netherlands.
Mateus Fernandes’ Southampton career so far
Appearances 42
Goals 3
Assists 6
Fernandes was one of Southampton’s better players last season
After the match, he took the opportunity to speak about last season and his immediate future.
He told Record via Sports Witness (22 June): “It was a tiring season for me, I’m completely fed up with football.
“Many defeats, it was a year of learning, and that’s it, learning from football.
“I hope that in the next Euros we can give a better response. Now it’s time to forget about football for a while and enjoy the holidays.”
From his quotes, it is clear that Fernandes has not enjoyed his time in England so far.
Therefore, Leeds may have the perfect chance to sign the midfielder as he is clearly unhappy at Southampton.
Once he has returned from his holidays, Paraag Marathe has to sanction the transfer.
Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe
Paraag Marathe may have to pay a big fee for Fernandes (Credit: Imago)
Leeds can offer Fernandes a new start
Southampton narrowly avoided becoming the worst-ever Premier League team in what must have been a highly demoralising campaign for the youngster.
Therefore, Farke can offer the 20-year-old a fresh start in what is likely to be a better season in the Premier League.
However, Fernandes may also opt to move out of England altogether in what has been a tough 12 months for the youngster.
Hopefully, this may convince Fernandes to move to Elland Road ahead of the upcoming season.
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