Jose Mourinho has begun urging the Real Madrid board to pursue a deal for Mateus Fernandes.
The veteran coach is preparing for his imminent return to the Santiago Bernabeu after Florentino Perez came out on top in last weekend’s presidential election.
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Madrid add Mateus Fernandes to summer shortlist
Now, having confirmed his departure from Benfica, Mourinho is already pondering how his Madrid side might look for his first season back in charge.
Fabrizio Romano revealed last night that Mourinho ‘mentioned his (Fernandes’) name yesterday’ to the Los Blancos board, which won’t come as a positive development for Manchester United.
🚨🇵🇹 Manchester United remain keen on Mateus Fernandes with more clubs also in the race.
José Mourinho mentioned his name to Real Madrid yesterday, more Premier League clubs showing interest.
Price tag around £85m.
🎥➕ https://t.co/eJ9Ys7Gvt5 pic.twitter.com/VeNaJVXCO4
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 10, 2026
The Red Devils are firmly among Fernandes’ suitors in the lead-up to the transfer window, and have already initiated contact with his representatives.
Meanwhile, West Ham value the 21-year-old in the region of £85 million, as they prepare to part ways with the coveted youngster less than a year into his tenure.
Fernandes: The state of play amid growing interest
Fernandes joined last August in a £42m (£38m upfront plus £4m in add-ons) switch from Southampton following their relegation from the Premier League, and is now poised to do the same again after the Irons were unable to retain their top-flight status.
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
He is viewed as a more cost-effective target over Elliot Anderson, for whom Manchester City have had a bid worth £105m rejected.
It remains to be seen whether Fernandes himself would prefer to continue plying his trade in England with United, or whether an approach from the European goliaths would prove too lucrative to turn down.
Along with United and Madrid, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, the 2025/2026 Champions League finalists, are also monitoring his situation
Read more: Romano — £35m-valued player looks set to be Man United-bound as soon as World Cup is done
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NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - APRIL 30: Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest warms up prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Semi-Final First Leg match between Nottingham Forest FC and Aston Villa FC at City Ground on April 30, 2026 in Nottingham, England.
VALENCIA, SPAIN - MAY 23: Players of FC Barcelona pose for a team photograph prior to the LaLiga EA Sports match between Valencia CF and FC Barcelona at Estadi de Mestalla on May 23, 2026 in Valencia, Spain.
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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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