Incredible really, twice relegated in two seasons and yet Mateus Fernandes‘ stock and value just keeps rising and rising.
Dubbed the ‘Premier League wonderkid’ of 2025/6 despite being involved in a vain attempt to stave off relegation, Fernandes was the subject of considerable conjecture that he’d be heading to Old Trafford, the link with national captain Bruno Fernandez a logical consideration for the young man looking to make the right move into the football stratosphere.
However in the last few days first Arsenal and today Liverpool are reported as entering the fray, all of which will be music to Chairman David Sullivan’s ears, having set an ambitious £80 million asking price which Manchester United were reportedly reluctant to meet.
Mateus Fernandes-Miles Lewis Skelly-West Ham v Arsenal
Manchester United now joined by Arsenal and Liverpool as summer window approaches
If true, the emergence of big hitters (both Champions League sides) into the pre-bidding phase may be just what Sullivan needs to squeeze another few million out of the Glazners. According to Sportwitness.co.uk:
Most Read on West Ham News
“From Portugal: West Ham set huge price as Liverpool join United in chase for player…
“The latest update comes from [PortugueseNews Outlet] A Bola. They claim Liverpool have now joined Manchester United in the race for the midfielder.
According to the newspaper, both Liverpool and Manchester United have been closely monitoring Fernandes for around two years.”
The emergence of Liverpool as serious bidders could of course just be a little stirring the pot behind the scenes in true Sullivan fashion: If true, West Ham’s massive debt problem might be about to become a little less pressing if one of the many suitors takes the plunge and meets the Hammers’ valuation.
Which won’t make seeing the young man succeed in another club’s colours any easier – but his will be justo one of many departures this summer and one of the very few that’ll yield a profit. Likely a very big one.