West Ham have signed midfielder, Matheus Fernandes from Southampton for £42m.
Fernandes’ move to East London came after just one season at Southampton where he produced three goals and six assists in 42 appearances across all competitions – despite the Saints’ relegation from the Premier League.
The 21-year-old went on to produce one goal and assist apiece in four appearances this season – including a first-round winner at Northampton in the Carabao Cup, meaning that he has left the Saints with four goals and seven assists in 46 appearances.
West Ham have paid a fixed £38m fee with a further £4m in add-ons totalling £42m for the Portuguese midfielder who has signed a five-year contract in East London until June 2030.
“I’m very happy to be here. I’m very excited to play for West Ham,” explained Fernandes. “I think it’s a big step for me.
“It’s a big Club, a massive Club. The project, the stadium, the city, everything.
“I want to try to play football, enjoy football, not just run and try to score, but try to play good football.
“I think the most important thing is to try to give everything every day.”
Potter added: “Mateus is a young player who has made impressive progress in the early part of his career, and we are delighted to have secured his signing,” said Potter.
“He gained valuable experience in the Premier League last year with Southampton and is someone we really feel can help improve us and fit into what we are trying to build and develop at the Club.
“We believe that his attributes and strengths will bring a different dimension to the squad and, from speaking to him, I know that he can’t wait to get started here.
“He has shown great maturity and character for someone so young, and we look forward to seeing his continued progress and impact at West Ham United.”
Fernandes began his career with his hometown club, Olhanense, Olhao, Portugal, before he joined Sporting Lisbon aged 12 in 2016, where he successfully graduated through their youth academy to score one goal in 10 senior appearances.
2023-24 season saw him move to Estoril on a season-long loan which yielded just one goal and two assists in 35 appearances.
Fernandes is currently part of Portugal’s Under-21s setup and was part of the squad which reached the Quarter-Finals of 2025 UEFA Under-21s Euros in June.