Tottenham Hotspur have signed midfielder, Matheus Fernandes from West Ham in a £85m transfer.
Fernandes’ move to North London comes after just one season at West Ham, where he contributed four goals and assists apiece in 38 appearances across the Premier League and FA Cup.
His performances however couldn’t prevent West Ham’s relegation to the Championship at the end of last season, having missed out on survival on the final day despite a 3-0 win over Leeds after Tottenham defeated Everton 1-0 to stay up by two points.
West Ham’s financial situation subsequently led them to sell Fernandes and after interest from Manchester United, the 21 year-old midfielder opted to move to one of the Hammers’ biggest London rivals after a £85m offer was accepted, and he signed a five-year contract until June 2031.
Fernandes is relishing his new chapter and explained that Head Coach, Roberto De Zerbi played an important role in his decision to make the move, whilst he will wear shirt number 18 this season.
“I’m very excited for this next step. 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 and win every game. I can’t wait to get started, to meet the fans, to meet everyone, and give everything for the Club.”
De Zerbi added: “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 and I’m excited to start working with him.”
Fernandes began his career with Sporting Lisbon where he graduated through their academy to score one goal in 10 senior first-team appearances, having previously netted twice in 36 appearances for their B-Team across 2021-22 & 22-23 seasons – although he was promoted to the first team during the latter campaign.
He subsequently spent 2023-24 season on loan at Estoril where he managed one goal in 35 appearances, which led to a move to Southampton in summer 2024 and he went on to score four goals in 46 appearances despite failing to keep the Saints in the Premier League at the end of the 24-25 campaign.
Fernandes represents Portugal at international level and earned his first senior international cap in March 2026, when he replaced Bruno Fernandes as a substitute in a 2-0 friendly victory over USA.
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