Tottenham have smashed their club transfer record to sign midfielder Mateus Fernandes from West Ham for £85m, a deal that forms part of a staggering £185m double swoop with Sandro Tonali also expected to arrive from Newcastle.
Fernandes, 21, has made 72 Premier League starts over the past two seasons despite both Southampton and West Ham being relegated during his time at each club. He has one cap for Portugal but was not selected for their World Cup squad.
“Tottenham sign Mateus Fernandes for club-record £85m, with Sandro Tonali also arriving in £185m double deal.”
Spurs head coach Roberto de Zerbi said: “I’ve admired Mateus for a long time because he combines quality on the ball with the intensity and intelligence that are so important in the way we want to play. Despite his age, he already has good experience in the Premier League and has shown quality and consistency at this level. Mateus is comfortable under pressure, can progress the ball, works hard for the team and has the courage to make things happen in difficult moments. I believe this is the ideal environment for him to continue his development.”
Tottenham saw off competition from Manchester United, who were unwilling to match the guaranteed £85m fee – a figure with no add-ons. Fernandes had been viewed as a primary target after a bid for Tonali was rejected by Newcastle, but Spurs subsequently agreed a £100m fee for the Italy midfielder.
Fernandes is Tottenham’s fifth signing of a fast-starting summer window, joining goalkeeper Martin Dubravka and defenders Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson and Jan Paul van Hecke. The club have not confirmed the length of Fernandes’s contract.
“I’m very excited for this next step,” Fernandes said. “Spurs is a massive club and the head coach was a key part of why I have decided to join. When we spoke, it was very special. We look at football in the same way – going onto the pitch as a strong team, with fight and energy, to try to win every game.”
With Tonali and Fernandes together costing £185m, Spurs have signalled their intent to challenge at the top of the Premier League – but the pressure is now on De Zerbi to mould his expensive new midfield into a cohesive unit before the season begins.