•Mateus Fernandes
West Ham’s Portugal midfielder Mateus Fernandes has joined Spurs after the Hammers’ relegation from the Premier League, the clubs announced today.
Fernandes, 21, arrived in London in 2025 and his move across the capital city is worth a reported club record fee of 85 million pounds ($113.4 million), reports AFP.
The most Spurs had paid for a player before Fernandes was the 52 million pounds they spent on Netherlands attacker Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig last August.
The one-time international arrives as Roberto de Zerbi attempts to re-build a Spurs squad who narrowly avoided dropping to the Championship last season.
“Spurs is a massive club and the head coach was a key part of why I have decided to join,” Fernandes said.
“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,” he added.
Fernandes moved to England firstly with Southampton two years ago having come through the Sporting Lisbon academy.
He has scored five goals in 72 Premier League appearance since heading to St Mary’s.
The Portugal youth international made his international debut in April but failed to make Roberto Martinez’ World Cup squad.
According to the BBC, Manchester United were also interested in Fernandes.
“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,” De Zerbi said.
“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,” the Italian added.
Fernandes’ Spurs fourth confirmed signing of the summer having also reportedly agreed a deal to bring Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali to the club.
Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka and defenders Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson and Jan Paul van hecke are the other players who have joined the side during the current transfer window.
De Zerbi’s side begin their Premier League season on August 22 when they head to Brentford.
