West Ham superstar midfielder Matheus Fernandes is due for an unexpected bit of globetrotting over the next couple of weeks following his call-up to the Portugal senior squad.
Fernandes has been starring for the U21s for some time now, but given his brilliant performances for the Hammers this season, it’s unsurprising to see him get a call-up to the main squad. Portugal face away fixtures against Mexico and the USA, meaning a bit of travel for the 22-year-old, but I suspect he won’t mind in the least.
The call-up for the 22-year-old is just reward for a campaign in which he has become one of the most consistent midfielders in the [Premier League](https://www.claretandhugh.info/premier-league-bio/).
Transfer talk and Ronaldo twist
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Fernandes has been closely linked with a move to Manchester United in recent days. Therefore, it’s good for the player to know that he can get international caps whilst still playing for West Ham.
There will be some disappointment for Fernandes, though, as he will not get to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo has been left out of Portugal’s squad for the warm-up games in Mexico, having failed to recover from a right hamstring injury.
Hammers manager Nuno Espírito Santo said of the call-up: “He’s an immensely talented player. He takes a lot of responsibility for the team. He deserves to be called up by Portugal because he’s playing really well.”
Portugal will play the USA in Georgia at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on April Fool’s Day, so be ready for some unexpected headlines.