Mateus Fernandes has been one of the biggest stories of the summer, with Tottenham and Manchester United going head to head for his signature while Real Madrid and PSG watched from a distance.
For weeks, reports suggested the Portuguese midfielder had no firm preference and would simply join whoever got a deal over the line with West Ham. Spurs tried various routes to get there, including offering players as makeweights — Mikey Moore on loan was even floated at one stage. In the end, though, Tottenham have got it done simply by meeting West Ham’s full asking price.
Club-Record Deal Sealed
David Ornstein reported on Tuesday that Tottenham had agreed a deal for Fernandes after tabling a guaranteed £85m bid, edging out Manchester United, who pulled out after deciding the fee and his wage demands were beyond what they wanted to commit.
The £85m fee makes Fernandes Tottenham’s most expensive signing ever, eclipsing the £65m spent on Dominic Solanke back in 2024. It also backs up recent comments from the club’s owners, who pledged in a letter to supporters that they’d back the rebuild with serious investment across the first team, academy and football operations, insisting there’s no intention of selling the club and that fans should judge them on actions, not words.
Romano Drops The “Here We Go”
Fabrizio Romano followed up shortly after with his trademark confirmation, stating Tottenham will pay a fully guaranteed £85m fixed fee for the midfielder.
Fernandes is set to become Spurs’ fifth signing of the summer, joining Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke and Martin Dúbravka as De Zerbi’s rebuild continues to take shape.
