Mateus Fernandes is reportedly desperate to join Manchester United this summer
Mateus Fernandes.
Mateus Fernandes may be making another move this summer(Image: MB Media/Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Mateus Fernandes is desperate for a move to Manchester United, yet West Ham's £80million asking price means Michael Carrick must exhaust every avenue available to get the deal over the line.
The West Ham midfielder is one of the most sought-after players of the summer window, with Arsenal, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain all circling. The Hammers are reluctant to part with Fernandes, but may find their hand forced if they are to remain compliant with Financial Fair Play regulations.
West Ham's drop into the Championship heaps further pressure on the 21-year-old to reach a decision, as he weighs up a return to the Premier League or a move elsewhere on the continent. This is not unfamiliar territory for Fernandes, however, having previously departed Southampton following their own relegation from the top flight.
The midfielder joined West Ham in the summer of 2025 for £38m and has caught the eye throughout the most recent campaign. Now, another transfer looks increasingly likely, with United reportedly his preferred destination above all others.
The club are confident that personal terms can be agreed, and Fernandes is eager to experience [Champions League](http://Champions League) football. Just one obstacle stands between the Portuguese international and his ambitions - his price tag.
West Ham are eager to trigger a bidding war amongst interested clubs for Fernandes, with an eye-watering asking price of £80m. With Premier League champions Arsenal and [Champions League](http://Champions League) winners PSG also keen on the midfielder, United could find themselves locking horns with some heavyweights.
United are expected to table an opening offer later this week, though it will be well below West Ham's valuation. They regard Fernandes as a player of enormous potential, but one who is yet to rack up substantial top-level experience.
Mateus Fernandes.
Fernandes could hold the key to his next club(Image: West Ham United FC/West Ham United FC via Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Carrick is determined to bring proven talent into his squad as the club gears up for their European return next season. A third-placed Premier League finish last term earned the manager considerable praise, and he will be desperate to build on that momentum.
Splashing the bulk of their budget on Fernandes does not appear to be part of their plans, yet his burning desire to join Old Trafford remains a significant factor. United could leverage this ambition to their advantage when negotiating a more favourable deal with West Ham.
One need only cast their eye over last summer's Newcastle-Liverpool saga involving Alexander Isak. The player was desperate for the move, the club were reluctant to sell, yet ultimately, the transfer was completed.
The Hammers may reflect on the chaos the Magpies endured and realise it is wiser to avoid unsettling their squad, as they push for an immediate return to the Premier League. Southampton would also stand to benefit handsomely from a sale, having retained a 15 per cent sell-on clause when he departed for the London Stadium last year.
Content Image
Content Image