Mateus Fernandes shouting with Michael Carrick in circular inset
Credit: Imago
Scott Mason
Mon 1 June 2026 10:10, UK
West Ham United will likely see a mass exodus of talent at London Stadium this season after falling down to the Championship.
When looking at the Irons’ squad, there is plenty of talent amongst it, and it makes you wonder how the E20 outfit found themselves in this position.
Nuno Espirito Santo is set to stay, which is a major boost for the East Londoners as they eye an immediate promotion.
Players such as Mateus Fernandes are unlikely to be part of that, as the Portuguese midfielder has earned acclaim from some of Europe’s best.
However, while a transfer out of West Ham is probable, that should not see the Hammers accept a discounted fee.
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Why West Ham should not waiver on Mateus Fernandes fee amid Manchester United interest
According to Caught Offside, Manchester United have “accelerated talks” to bring Fernandes to Old Trafford ahead of the 2026-2027 season.
However, PSG, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Inter, Juventus and Napoli are all mentioned as interested parties.
Mateus Fernandes’ move to West Ham Detail
Transfer fee £42m total package
Contract expiry June 2029
Wages per week £60,000
Credit: Capology
The report shares that West Ham value Fernandes between £43.3million and £51.9m (€50–60m) but that valuation is “expected to drop” now the Irons have been relegated.
However, there is no reason for the Hammers to lower their asking price at all. Fernandes has a contract until 2029, and while he may ultimately push for a move away, the East Londoners hold all the cards.
West Ham do need to bring in £100m in player sales, but the likes of Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville, who have also been linked away, could cover the majority of that deficit.
With that level of interest and eight reported clubs in the race, there is little need for the Hammers to back down on their original value regardless of relegation.
Last season saw the Hammers pay what Southampton had valued Fernandes at in a £38m plus £4m in add-ons deal; now they should follow suit.
Previous suggestions have shared West Ham could secure a record Championship sale for Fernandes.
Mateus Fernandes West Ham contract expiry
Why West Ham may be able to fend off Mateus Fernandes transfer request
If Fernandes does hand in a transfer request and asks to leave the club, the Hammers should allow him to exit, but as stated, only at the right price.
Fernandes may be unhappy with that, and he could go on strike to force a sale, but in doing so, he would be threatening his now-growing international career.
The West Ham ace earned his first international caps back in March but was just on the cusp of the World Cup squad, being left out by Roberto Martinez.
If he goes on strike, and the Hammers hold firm, he could end up missing out on a call-up for the September international matches.
Earlier in the season, Nuno did describe Fernandes as disciplined, so perhaps he would be a model professional: “He’s having a fantastic season, he works hard, and he’s very talented and disciplined.”