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Fabrizio Romano has revealed Liverpool interest in West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes.
West Ham’s relegation from the Premier League this May was, by any measure, a cruel way to go.
The Hammers put together their best performance of a miserable season on the final day, hammering Leeds 3-0 at the London Stadium, only to be condemned to the Championship anyway as Tottenham edged out Everton 1-0 simultaneously.
After 14 years in the top flight, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side dropped into the second tier alongside Burnley and Wolves, finishing the campaign with 39 points.
Matues Fernandes had only joined the Hammers last August from Southampton for £38 million, having himself come through the Sporting CP academy before a £15 million move to the south coast in 2024.
Despite West Ham’s struggles, Fernandes was one of the few bright spots.
The interest is substantial. Manchester United have opened club-to-club talks and are currently considered the likeliest destination if he stays in England. Arsenal, Real Madrid, and PSG have all been linked.
But now it appears Liverpool also showed interest in the 21-year-old.
Speaking on the Born ‘N Red YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Liverpool made a call to West Ham two weeks to enquire about the situation of Mateus Fernandes:
“I will you something that was not so public in the recent days and weeks. Liverpool made a call two weeks ago to understand the situation Mateus Fernandes at West Ham – to understand the price and conditions – but they didn’t return with any bid or any official conversation,” the Italian transfer journalist said.
“But they made a call two weeks ago – I can guarantee that. Tottenham and Manchester United are busy with a deal, so there are so many clubs involved. The player is going to be expensive, more than £85 million. It means Liverpool are working on midfielders.”
Liverpool have done their homework, picked up the phone and made it clear they admire the player, but they are not in the same all‑guns‑blazing mode as some of their rivals.
West Ham’s relegation all but guarantees the 21‑year‑old will move on and the queue for his signature shows just how highly he is rated, yet the Hammers’ sky‑high valuation means any deal will have to be absolutely right for the buying club.
The Reds appear to be focused on Yan Diomande at this stage, with PSG expected to make their own opening bid for the Ivorian imminently.