Mateus Fernandes has been linked with a move to Manchester United in recent days
Mateus Fernandes of West Ham United celebrates the victory after the Premier League match between Fulham and West Ham United at Craven Cottage in London, England, on March 4, 2026. (Photo by Tiego Grenho/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Manchester United are pursuing Mateus Fernandes (Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Mateus Fernandes had to personally push through his transfer from Southampton to West Ham last summer - and he may be forced to employ similar tactics if he wants to secure a move to Manchester United.
The 21-year-old has been strongly linked with an Old Trafford move this week. Transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano claims United officials have made contact with the player's agent in recent days as they try to secure his services.
However, West Ham are insisting on a substantial fee of £85million to release their midfield talent - more than twice the £42m they paid for him 12 months ago. The Hammers, who must generate income following their relegation, are believed to have reached that valuation due to interest from rival clubs and a 15% sell-on clause owed to his previous side, Southampton.
United, however, may benefit in their pursuit of Fernandes from the youngster's own determination. Fernandes last summer pushed Southampton to sanction his sale after their drop to the Championship, telling the Saints hierarchy that he wished to play top flight football in order to be selected for the Portugal national team.
Despite his omission from Portugal's World Cup squad, his long-term ambitions are unlikely to have changed. Fernandes may therefore look to engineer a swift exit from the London Stadium by forcing through a transfer, which would allow United to acquire him for a fee lower than £85m.
Southampton owner Dragan Solak recently told the Southern Daily Echo: "Last summer we realised that we cannot keep Matty Fernandes. He actually broke me when he told me why he could not stay.
"He came to me, and he said, 'If I stay in Southampton, I will never get to play for the Portuguese national team,' and I said, 'Okay, that's fair.'
Mateus Fernandes of Southampton shields the ball from Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United
Fernandes pushed to leave Southampton already(Image: Getty)
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"After that, I said to him, 'Okay, bring me the money I want, because we really value you. Bring me the money you want and then I will let you go.'"
West Ham find themselves under pressure to sell Fernandes, one of their prized and most sought-after assets, as Premier League parachute payments only partially offset the financial blow of relegation. This significantly weakens their hand at the negotiating table.
Should they get the transfer over the line, the Red Devils would have wrapped up a second summer signing and midfield addition, having already struck an agreement with Atalanta to bring in Brazilian ace Ederson for £35m.
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