Spurs Agree £85m Deal for Mateus Fernandes
Tottenham Hotspur have reached an agreement to sign Portuguese midfielder Mateus Fernandes from West Ham for a guaranteed fee of £85 million, with no add-ons included. The 21-year-old, who joined West Ham for £40 million last summer, was a primary target for Spurs following their unsuccessful attempt to sign Sandro Tonali for £80 million, a bid rejected by Newcastle United.
Tottenham have made significant progress in the summer transfer window, having already secured four new players. Last week, they confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Martin Dubravka on a free transfer, effective from 1 July after his Burnley contract expires. The 37-year-old Slovakian goalkeeper adds to the defensive reinforcements alongside Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson, both acquired on free transfers from Bournemouth and Liverpool respectively, and Dutch defender Jan Paul van Hecke, who was signed from Brighton for £52 million.
Midfield Transfer Focus and Challenges
Following these defensive additions, Tottenham shifted their focus to strengthening central midfield. However, their pursuit of Sandro Tonali encountered difficulties. Tonali, who recently extended his contract with Newcastle United for four more years, remains a challenging target due to his commitment to the club that supported him during a 10-month ban for breaching the Football Association's betting regulations.
Despite West Ham's consecutive relegations from the Premier League, Fernandes has attracted considerable interest this summer. Both Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain have expressed a desire to acquire the midfielder.
Manchester United Withdraw from Transfer Race
Fernandes reportedly maintained an open stance regarding his next club, with his agent Jorge Mendes engaging in discussions with both Tottenham and Manchester United. However, Manchester United adhered to their policy of acquiring players only at valuations they consider appropriate. Although they were interested in Fernandes, the club doubted his genuine desire to play for them.
United's priority remains reinforcing their central midfield. They have already agreed a £35 million deal with Atalanta for Ederson, although his arrival has been postponed due to a late call-up to Brazil's World Cup squad. The squad is scheduled to return for pre-season training on 9 July. Apart from out-of-contract players Casemiro and Tyrell Malacia, Michael Carrick's squad remains largely unchanged since the end of last season, with no major transfers in or out.
Plans to sell Manuel Ugarte have been put on hold following his serious injury sustained during World Cup duty with Uruguay. Additionally, Netherlands striker Joshua Zirkzee remains at the club, and sources have dismissed rumors regarding the departure of midfielder Mason Mount.
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