After a forgettable 2024/25 campaign, midfield has become one of the biggest problem areas Graham Potter must address this summer.
Despite no major midfield departures yet — though Lucas Paquetá’s future continues to be clouded by Manchester City’s ongoing interest — it’s clear that West Ham need serious reinforcements in the engine room.
Edson Álvarez struggled to replicate the steel he showed at Ajax. Guido Rodríguez never really got going. And James Ward-Prowse, while tidy in possession, looked a shadow of the set-piece wizard we saw at Southampton.
Even Tomas Soucek, for all his forward drive, couldn’t do it alone.
Fortunately, Potter is already working on fixing the problem. El Hadji Malick Diouf’s arrival promises to add some energy and athleticism, and now, West Ham are moving for a Premier League-proven midfielder who could offer exactly the kind of bite and composure this team has been crying out for.
West Ham Submit Fernandes Bid
Southampton's Mateus Fernandes. (Reuters/Andrew Couldridge)
Southampton’s Mateus Fernandes. (Reuters/Andrew Couldridge)
According to a new update from club insider ExWHUEmployee, per West Ham Central, West Ham have now submitted a formal offer for Southampton’s Mateus Fernandes.
The 21-year-old was one of the few shining lights in an otherwise dismal Saints side last season, and has reportedly attracted attention from across Europe.
While Ex notes that Fernandes and his agent currently favour a move abroad, West Ham have put real money on the table — with early talk of a potential James Ward-Prowse swap now off the cards.
Southampton may have finished rock-bottom and looked hopeless at times, but Fernandes consistently stood out — earning huge praise from fans and pundits alike. Former Saints midfielder Jo Tessem was among those impressed.
“Mateus Fernandes is on people’s radar because every week he plays his heart out,” Tessem told the BBC Radio Solent Southampton Podcast. “He is by far the best player on the football pitch from a Saints perspective.”
Tessem even backed him to remain in the top flight despite Southampton’s relegation.
“He is becoming an ultimate Premier League midfielder and clubs are not going to let that go,” he said. “He plays like a Premier League player. He passes like a Premier League player. He is quick like a Premier League player. He conducts himself so well in midfield.”
In other words? This isn’t a panic buy. This is a serious move for a seriously good player.