Exclusive: Mateus Fernandes agrees personal terms with Tottenham Hotspur

One of the most sought-after names in the transfer market this summer is Mateus Fernandes.

Despite West Ham United being relegated from the English Premier League, the Portuguese midfielder saw his stock rise with a series of impressive performances for The Hammers.

Across 38 appearances, Mateus Fernandes registered 4 goals and 4 assists, standing out as one of the club’s most consistent performers despite the turmoil at the club.

The 21-year-old has enjoyed an impressive season at West Ham off the back of a £42 million move from Southampton in August 2025, signing a five-year deal to join the London side.

For much of the transfer window, Manchester United have been seen as front runners for Fernandes.

Manchester United’s midfield remains a key priority heading into the window, particularly with expected departures.

Casemiro has already left the club, while Manuel Ugarte could also move on, increasing the urgency for reinforcements in central areas.

But it appears that they may have fallen behind in the race to bring the Portuguese midfielder to Old Trafford.

CentreDevils can exclusively reveal that Mateus Fernandes has agreed personal terms with Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs are pushing hard to complete a deal and are currently in talks with West Ham over a transfer fee as they move quickly to finalise the signing.

Tottenham are understood to be accelerating negotiations in an effort to beat rival interest and secure one of the Premier League’s most highly rated young midfielders.

Manchester United are still in the race for Fernandes, with reports coming out that an agreement on personal terms had also been agreed with United, although Spurs have now seemingly moved ahead in the race.

Liverpool have also made contact with West Ham to understand the structure of any potential deal, while Arsenal’s interest has cooled in recent discussions.

Real Madrid, despite earlier links, are not expected to make any formal approach this summer, narrowing the competition at the top end of the market.

Tottenham are believed to be preparing a package worth around £70 million as they attempt to convince West Ham to sanction a sale.

While this news doesn’t mean it’s a formality or that Manchester United are out of the race, it does show the seriousness with which Roberto De Zerbi is looking to tackle this transfer window.

Spurs already had a bid rejected for Sandro Tonali and it appears that their attention and budget has now moved to Mateus Fernandes instead.