Tottenham Hotspur secure Mateus Fernandes transfer

Manchester United look set to miss out on Mateus Fernandes, with Tottenham Hotspur now winning the race for the West Ham United midfielder.

According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Spurs have submitted the highest proposal for the 21-year-old, with the guaranteed fee believed to be around £85 million.

Fernandes has opted to join Tottenham, while the numbers involved are understood to have gone beyond the level United were willing to reach.

Fernandes had emerged as one of Manchester United’s leading midfield targets this summer, with the club identifying the Portugal international as a player capable of strengthening the engine room for years to come.

However, Tottenham’s willingness to meet West Ham’s valuation and offer improved financial terms has ultimately proved decisive.

According to The Athletic, United were unwilling to match either the transfer fee or salary package required to complete the deal.

The Red Devils are now expected to turn their attention towards alternative midfield targets.

United have already reached an agreement with Atalanta for Ederson.

The Brazilian is widely expected to become the club’s first major signing of the summer.

Despite that impending arrival, there remains a belief that Michael Carrick’s side
could still recruit at least one more midfielder before the transfer window closes.

Alex Scott has previously been identified as a possible alternative.

However, Bournemouth are understood to be determined to keep hold of the England international and are keen to extend his contract.

Sandro Tonali is another player admired by United, but Newcastle United have so far shown no willingness to sanction a sale despite significant interest from several Premier League clubs.

Mateus Fernandes, meanwhile, is set to become Tottenham’s fourth signing of the summer.

The 21-year-old impressed despite West Ham’s relegation from the Premier League last season, registering four goals and four assists in 38 league appearances.

Having previously represented Sporting CP and Southampton, Fernandes is now preparing for the next chapter of his career in north London.

For Manchester United, attention will now turn towards identifying alternative midfield reinforcements as preparations for the 2026/27 campaign continue.