West Ham remain on the hunt for a midfield upgrade, and all eyes have been on Mateus Fernandes this summer.
The 21-year-old Portuguese, described by former Saints midfielder Jo Tessem as the “ultimate Premier League midfielder,” was a standout performer for Southampton last season, despite the club’s relegation.
Graham Potter is keen to bolster his midfield options, and West Ham made a serious move, submitting a £30 million plus add-ons bid for Fernandes.
Unfortunately for the Hammers, that offer was rejected outright. Now, in the wake of that setback, ExWHUEmployee has provided the latest insight — and it’s a mixed bag.
Mateus Fernandes to West Ham Update
Southampton's Mateus Fernandes. (Reuters/Andrew Couldridge)
Southampton’s Mateus Fernandes. (Reuters/Andrew Couldridge)
According to ExWHUEmployee, West Ham have mostly abandoned their pursuit of Fernandes for now, with Southampton’s valuation proving simply too high.
“We have spent the last day talking to people about the Fernandes situation,” stated Ex on The West Ham Way Patreon. “At the moment the club had been weighing up whether to make a move again for the player but the evaluations are so far a part the club have almost decided it is pointless with Southampton valuing the player at almost £60 million.”
He added: “We have decided that we will not bid again for the time being and explore other targets.”
However, Fernandes himself remains keen on the move — a factor that could yet tip the scales.
“I don’t think this is over just yet because the player and agent are very keen on the move and, as we know in modern football, they hold the power,” Ex concluded.
For now, all West Ham fans can do is wait and see whether patience, persistence, or player desire will finally swing this transfer in their favour.