Manchester United are doing their due diligence before potentially igniting their pursuit of Mateus Fernandes.
According to Sky Sports reporter Danyal Khan, the Red Devils have begun ‘exploring’ how a deal may look for the West Ham starlet, who is valued in the region of £80 million.
What’s West Ham’s stance on Mateus Fernandes?
Such a fee would see the Irons earn a substantial profit on the £38m they shelled out for Fernandes when signing him from Southampton last August.
It’s said that West Ham believe the 21-year-old could ‘become as good as Declan Rice’, hence setting their valuation so high.
Appearances Starts Goal contributions Minutes played
72 69 13 5,948
FERNANDES’ COMPLETE PREMIER LEAGUE RECORD (TRANSFERMARKT)
Of course, they would much rather keep hold of Fernandes long-term, especially considering he’s only 10 months into his five-year deal at the London Stadium.
Had the side been able to retain their Premier League status for 2026/2027, they’d have had a much greater chance of him staying put. Unfortunately for the Hammers, they fell victim to the dreaded drop on the final day of the campaign.
This time last year, Fernandes was preparing to leave the Saints in the aftermath of their relegation, so there’s no surprise he’s being linked with a transfer for the second successive summer window.
Who’s interested in Fernandes this summer?
He has garnered interest from United, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, all of whom would allow him to play Champions League football.
That is outstanding 🚀
Mateus Fernandes fires home West Ham's third goal before half-time 🔥
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/Ibe16CJu5K
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 24, 2026
The Sporting CP graduate has given no indication of where he’d like to ply his trade next, but he has previously expressed his admiration for Old Trafford skipper, Bruno Fernandes
When asked to name his footballing role model, Fernandes told Portuguese outlet A Bola: “My role model? The biggest reference right now is Bruno [Fernandes], because of the player he already is.
“Even back in my time at Sporting, I used to watch him and try to learn. He plays in the same league as me, has a lot of experience with the national team and in the Premier League. I really try to study him. Without a doubt, he stands out.”
Alas, joining United would give the youngster the opportunity to continue developing his game alongside the best player in the Premier League and one of the best midfielders in world football.
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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 17: General view outside the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Manchester United and Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on May 17, 2026 in Manchester, England.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 17: A detailed view of the Manchester United shirt during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on May 17, 2026 in Manchester, England.
MILAN, ITALY - MAY 06: Former professional footballer and current TV Pundit, Wayne Rooney looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final Second Leg match between FC Internazionale Milano and FC Barcelona at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 06, 2025 in Milan, Italy.
Isabel, 25, is a football writer who has previously gained experience in the industry as the editor of Stretty News, along with work on Caught Offside, Last Word on Football and Give Me Sport. She is now the editor of UtdReport.
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