West Ham United loanee Edson Alvarez started the 2025/26 season under the wing of Jose Mourinho after joining Turkish Super Lig giants Fenerbahce on loan.
And, as the Mexico captain would later reveal, the presence of Mourinho was a ‘large part of my decision’ to leave the Hammers for a temporary stint in Istanbul.
Unfortunately for Edson Alvarez – who just cannot catch a break in an injury-hit spell – the legendary former Chelsea, Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Manchester United coach was sacked only six days after he touched down in the Turkish capital.
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Mateus Fernandes of West Ham United during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Manchester United at London Stadium on February 10, 2026 in London, United Kingdom.
Mateus Fernandes, one of the players who pushed Alvarez further down the midfield pecking order at West Ham United, will be hoping for a much longer dalliance with one of the most successful managers in football history should Mourinho replace Roberto Martinez as the head coach of the Portuguese national team.
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According to ESPN, it is believed that Mourinho, currently at Benfica, will be offered the national team job following the 2026 World Cup.
Martinez’s contract is due to expire after the tournament. And, while Thomas Tuchel committed his future to England for another couple of years this week, it currently appears unlikely that the ex-Everton and Swansea City coach will do the same.
This means that Fernandes, who captains Portugal at Under-21 level, could establish himself in the heart of his country’s midfield under the guidance of the fork-tongued and occasionally still-ingenious Mourinho.
Marcus Edwards is challenged by Mateus Fernandes during Burnley v West Ham United - Premier League
Photo by Kate McShane/Getty Images
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Martinez said back in August 2025, while the Sporting Lisbon academy graduate was in the midst of leaving Southampton for West Ham, that Fernandes was ‘close’ to a first senior Portugal call-up. One could finally arrive seven months on.
Portugal have a friendly with Mexico to look forward to in March. And while there is plenty of competition for places in Martinez’s midfield – Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Nunes, Bernardo Silva, Joao Palhinha, Joao Neves and more – Fernandes has surely done enough in claret and blue to force his way into the squad for the first time.
Fernandes wants to play at the 2026 World Cup
Speaking to DAZN before Fernandes showcased another side of his game against Manchester United in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw, he opened up about his desire to secure a seat on the plane to the World Cup.
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“[A World Cup spot] is a goal I’ve set for myself,” said Fernandes, who may be given a rare break when the Hammers face Burton Albion in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday. “It was one of the objectives I set at the start of this season, to maintain the consistency required to be among those selected for the World Cup,” Fernandes reveals.
“I believe our national team is currently one of the best in the world. The quality of the squad is undeniable.
“Therefore, it is up to me to demonstrate quality and consistency, and to prove that I can add something to the team. When I am not called up to the senior team and play for the U21s instead, I simply focus on doing my job.”
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