West Ham United are reportedly unwilling to sell Mateus Fernandes as Manchester City circle.
West Ham United have no intention of parting ways with Mateus Fernandes during the current transfer window, despite growing interest from Manchester City. Sources have told Football Insider that the Hammers are adamant the 21-year-old midfielder is not for sale, with any potential exit firmly ruled out before the winter deadline.
Fernandes has rapidly become one of West Ham’s most important players as they battle to steer clear of relegation. Club insiders believe the Portuguese youngster would command a significant profit if he were ever sold, but crucially, that discussion is one for the future rather than the present.
Signed from Southampton for £42 million last summer, Mateus Fernandes is viewed as a cornerstone of Nuno Espirito Santo’s rebuild and a long-term asset at the London Stadium. His importance has only grown in recent weeks, particularly with Lucas Paqueta on the verge of leaving the club to join Flamengo.
Paqueta has not featured since early January, and his absence has allowed Fernandes to step further into the spotlight at the heart of midfield. The numbers underline his influence: Fernandes has missed just 11 minutes of Premier League football since before Christmas and has started 20 of West Ham’s 23 league matches this season.
The midfielder has also begun to add decisive contributions in the final third. He provided the assist for Crysencio Summerville’s winner away at Tottenham before scoring a stunning goal himself in the recent victory over Sunderland. Since Nuno Espirito Santo’s appointment at the end of September, Fernandes has started every single Premier League game, a clear indication of the trust his manager places in him.
According to Football Insider, having signed a five-year contract upon his arrival from Southampton, West Ham are keen to build around Fernandes rather than cash in early. From the club’s perspective, allowing such a key figure to leave midway through a relegation fight would make little sporting sense, regardless of interest from elite clubs like Manchester City.
Elsewhere, West Ham’s survival rivals are also active in the market. Former Everton and Aston Villa chief executive Keith Wyness told Football Insider this week that he expects Nottingham Forest to complete a deal for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta before the window closes. Forest have reportedly lodged a £35 million bid and are prepared to offer the Frenchman a substantial wage increase.
Mateta has made it clear he wants to leave Selhurst Park, and he has attracted interest from Aston Villa and Juventus, but Nottingham Forest are currently pushing hardest. For West Ham, such a move would be far from welcome. The Irons sit five points behind Forest in the relegation battle, and seeing a direct rival strengthen their attack with a marquee signing could significantly raise the stakes in the fight for Premier League survival.
From West Ham’s standpoint, refusing to entertain offers for Mateus Fernandes is not just sensible, it is essential. Losing Paqueta already threatens to destabilise the midfield, and allowing Fernandes to depart now would risk undermining the entire season. Manchester City’s interest is a compliment, but West Ham’s priority must be staying in the Premier League. If Fernandes continues on this trajectory, there will be no shortage of suitors in the future, and the price will only go up.