Leeds United were claimed to be eyeing a move to poach Southampton’s star midfielder Mateus Fernandes, but the £30million asking price is said to be nowhere near an accurate valuation.
As Leeds embark on their survival challenge in the Premier League, they are looking to do significantly better than the three sides they are replacing.
The combined 59 points of the three relegated sides is the worst the Premier League has ever seen, but Southampton of all sides are going down with a stern stance on player exits.
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Leeds United’s chances of signing Mateus Fernandes from Southampton dashed by huge asking price
Of the Saints squad that went down, their shining lights have been Tyler Dibling and Mateus Fernandes, the latter credited with interest from Leeds, per Alan Nixon.
The report in question claimed Leeds, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa have been monitoring the Portuguese 20-year-old amid relegation at St Mary’s, and would be looking to test the supposed £30million asking price.
(Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)
However, that notion has been well and truly discarded by local reporter Alfie House of the Daily Echo, sharing this on Fernandes’ current valuation as Will Still takes charge of the Championship club:
“The Daily Echo understands Southampton’s true valuation of youth international Fernandes is much higher than reported.
“A potential £30m price tag was laughed off on Friday, with another quick-witted source quipping: ‘His hair is worth £30m’.”
Leeds United to refocus on European leagues for high-value, low-cost signings
If a side that finished on 12 points in the Premier League are commanding significantly more than £30million for a player, then it’s a market that Leeds simply shouldn’t conduct their business in.
Fernandes would be an immense signing, and that’s why Saints have their valuation so high for a player contracted until 2029, they hold the power in that regard.
Their stance should be a reminder of what Leeds’ recruitment team have already seen unfold at Elland Road, though, that value-for-money signings are so much more likely and prominent across the continent, as opposed to ones from these shores.
Leeds United enjoyed outstanding consistent performances from bargain summer signing Ao Tanaka. (Photo by Malcolm Bryce/Leeds United via Getty Images)
For instance, Ao Tanaka signed for £2.95million, compared to Hannibal Mejbri potentially costing Burnley £9.4million, is proof of scouting in Europe being a more fruitful avenue.
Fernandes himself is more proof of it, signed by Southampton for £15million from Sporting CP, and now potentially worth treble that to his club in spite of woeful team performances in the Premier League.
Instead of spending £30million-plus on someone that has *some* Premier League exposure, Leeds could easily unearth gems for a fraction of the price, and this fleeting speculation on the 20-year-old should redirect Leeds towards those sorts of signings.