Southampton midfielder Mateus Fernandes has told the club he wants to leave this summer amid interest from Europe and West Ham United, according to Claret and Hugh.
The Saints suffered relegation for the second time in three seasons as they returned straight back to the Championship following a horrific Premier League campaign in 2024/25, where they registered just 12 points from their 38 games.
Fernandes was one of their brighter sparks and his performances has seen several clubs take interest, but so far a deal hasn't materialised due to the south-coast club's valuation of between £50-60m.
Fernandes Tells Southampton He Wants to Leave
Mateus Fernandes
The Hammers stepped up their interest this week with a £30m offer for the central midfielder, but the bid was immediately rejected and not even considered due to the gap in valuations.
But it has now emerged that the player has told club bosses at St Mary's that he wants to leave before the end of the window, with his agent in talks to secure a move away from the Championship side.
It's understood that Southampton are currently standing firm on their valuation of the 21-year-old, but with the player now actively pushing for a move away it remains to be seen if that is sustainable as we enter the closing stages of the transfer window.
Fernandes shone for Portugal Under-21's during the summer during the European Championships, and it's believed that the player favours a move to a European club in a top league, but he would also be open to returning to the Premier League.
West Ham have made him their top target after Graham Potter's side missed out on a deal for Jacob Ramsey, who is set to join Newcastle in a £40m deal, but it remains to be seen if they return with a new bid considering the Saints' asking price.
Southampton boss Will Still left Fernandes on the bench for their opening game of the season against Wrexham on Saturday, but brought him on with the team 1-0 down before they turned it around and claimed a late 2-1 win thanks to Jack Stephens' injury time winner.
Another player who could leave before the end of the window is teenage star Tyler Dibling, who was left out of the squad for that game and has asked to leave amid interest from Everton.
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