West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes has been linked with Manchester United, Manchester City and Real Madrid.
Fernandes joined West Ham this summer from Southampton and has been one of their best players in the 2025/26 campaign.
The 21-year-old has made 20 league appearances and has chipped in with two goals and as many assists.
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West Ham respond to £27m Mateus Fernandes release clause claims
Defensa Central reported that there is a relegation clause added to Mateus Fernandes‘ contract.
It has been claimed that if the Hammers get relegated, any club can pay £27million to secure the Portuguese midfielder’s services.
This has seen Real Madrid show an interest in signing the attacking midfielder, along with Manchester United and Manchester City.
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However, these reports are not understood to be true, with Claret and Hugh journalist Sean Whetstone issuing a response from the club.
The Hammers were quick to shut down any speculation of there being a relegation clause in his contract.
While the Portuguese midfielder has a 50 per cent wage reduction clause in his contract, there is no release clause.
Mateus Fernandes during West Ham United v Burnley - Premier League
Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images
Will Fernandes leave if West Ham get relegated?
Relegation could be a blessing in disguise for the Hammers, but it could also mean that a few of their key players decide to leave.
Lucas Paqueta seems set to leave with or without relegation, and others could follow him out the door.
Fernandes most certainly will be a player in demand, and it will take some convincing from the club and manager in order to keep him at the London Stadium.
At 21, he could be the future of West Ham, and if he is promised to be made front and centre of the rebuild, he may be tempted to stay for one season.
Alternatively, the Hammers can look to loan him out and if they get promoted a year later, then he commits his future by signing a long-term deal.
The positive is that there is no release clause, so even if he does want to leave, the Irons can demand a high transfer fee.
Championship sides are selling their assets for more and more money each year, and the board must capitalise on that fact.
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