Image Credits: Imago Images
Tottenham Hotspur have turned this summer into a full‑scale reset after the humiliation of finishing 17th in the Premier League last season, narrowly avoiding relegation and piling huge pressure on the club hierarchy to respond.
That dismal campaign has clearly forced Spurs to rip up the old blueprint and go big in the market, with a radical overhaul already well under way under Roberto De Zerbi.
It started with the likes of Andy Robertson leaving Liverpool on a free transfer. They also agreed a £52m deal with Brighton for Dutch centre‑back Jan Paul van Hecke, a player De Zerbi knows well.
On top of that, they have pushed the boat out in midfield, striking an agreement with Newcastle for Sandro Tonali in a package worth up to £100m
And now Spurs have added yet more midfield steel to their squad.
Tottenham Hotspur has officially announced the signing of former West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes.
It was believed that Spurs shelled out a whopping £85 million for the 21-year-old. Fabrizio Romano had previously reported that Liverpool made calls to West Ham to understand the midfielder’s situation in June.
Fernandes said of his move to North London: “I’m very excited for this next step. Spurs is a massive club and the Head Coach was a key part of why I have decided to join.
“When we spoke, it was very special. We look at football in the same way – going onto the pitch as a strong team, with fight and energy, to try and win every game. I can’t wait to get started, to meet the fans, to meet everyone, and give everything for the Club.”
Meanwhile, Roberto De Zerbi said of the mega transfer: “I’ve admired Mateus for a long time because he combines quality on the ball with the intensity and intelligence that are so important in the way we want to play.
“Despite his age, he already has good experience in the Premier League and has shown quality and consistency at this level. Mateus is comfortable under pressure, can progress the ball, works hard for the team and has the courage to make things happen in difficult moments. I believe this is the ideal environment for him to continue his development and I’m excited to start working with him.”
Fernandes will wear the No.18 shirt at Tottenham.