Real Madrid have ended their pursuit of West Ham United star Mateus Fernandes. The Spanish giants had closely monitored the 21-year-old Portuguese international at the request of newly reappointed manager Jose Mourinho, but the Santiago Bernabeu hierarchy now expect Fernandes to leave the London Stadium for Old Trafford. The decision is primarily due to Madrid’s crowded midfield following their marquee signing of Bernardo Silva. With an abundance of elite central options at Mourinho’s disposal, the board has opted not to pursue another midfielder. Real Madrid’s withdrawal leaves Manchester United in pole position to sign Fernandes. Under manager Michael Carrick and sporting director Jason Wilcox, United have made Fernandes their primary summer target to fill the defensive void left by Casemiro’s departure on a free transfer.
United are already in official contract negotiations with his agent Jorge Mendes and remain in active talks with West Ham regarding the final financial details of the transfer. For relegated West Ham, securing maximum value for their prized midfield asset has become an economic necessity. Following their drop to the Championship, the club must reduce its wage bill and raise over £100 million in player sales to offset a £104.2 million loss. The Hammers are holding firm on an £85 million valuation, a figure driven in part by a 15% sell-on clause owed to Southampton, who sold Fernandes to West Ham for £38 million last summer.
While United have no intention of meeting West Ham’s full valuation, they remain confident of reaching an agreement due to West Ham’s relegation and Fernandes’s preference for a move. Any move for Fernandes is expected to break the Championship transfer record and comfortably surpass the £53 million Chelsea paid for Romeo Lavia.