Mateus Fernandes and David Sullivan
(Credit: Imago)
Rahul Lakhani
Tue 12 August 2025 18:51, UK
West Ham United have had a bid rejected for Southampton star Mateus Fernandes, but their pursuit is not over just yet.
Fernandes was one of Southampton’s better players as they were relegated from the Premier League last season, and they are demanding a high price as a result.
West Ham are aiming to strengthen their midfield options, and have identified the 21-year-old as a key target for this window.
A bid has now been made for Fernandes, but David Sullivan will not like Southampton’s response, as the conditions for a potential deal have been laid out.
Lucas Paqueta
Fernandes could replace Paqueta (Credit: Imago)
Southampton want over £50 million for Fernandes
David Ornstein has now reported that West Ham have made a bid of around £30m for Fernandes, but this has been instantly rejected by Southampton.
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With Southampton also taking a tough stance over Tyler Dibling, they have proven themselves to be difficult negotiators in this window, which could be a problem for the Hammers.
It is claimed that a fee of around £50m-60m will be necessary if West Ham are to convince Southampton to part ways with the 21-year-old.
West Ham’s only signing over £50m is Paqueta.
Fernandes made 44 appearances for Southampton last season, and may be seen as the natural replacement for the exit-linked Lucas Paqueta.
West Ham would have to break transfer record for Fernandes
West Ham’s record arrival was Sebastian Haller, who joined for around £45m in 2019, and the Hammers have only eclipsed this fee once in the six years which have followed, as Paqueta joined for £51m.
Haller arrived as a proven striker in the Bundesliga, but he ultimately did not work out at the club. Several other big-name players such as Gianluca Scamacca and Mohammed Kudus have also come and gone.
Player Fee
Lucas Paqueta £51.2m
Sebastian Haller £45m
Max Kilman £40m
Mohammed Kudus £38m
West Ham’s most expensive transfers
Although Fernandes impressed at times for Southampton, he is still an unknown quantity, and would be a very risky signing for the price quoted.
Even if Graham Potter considers a deal viable, Sullivan is unlikely to break his own transfer record for a 21-year-old midfielder from a relegated side, meaning that unless Southampton drop their demands, a deal does not appear to be on the cards.
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