Mateus Fernandes has become a part of Roberto De Zerbi’s squad rebuild at Tottenham.
Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of Mateus Fernandes from West Ham in a club-record transfer.
The one-cap Portuguese international has made the move to N17 for a reported £85m fee, smashing the North London club’s previous transfer record of £65m spent on striker Dominic Solanke in the summer of 2024. Manchester United were initially seen as the frontrunners for the central midfielder’s signature, but they baulked at matching Tottenham’s £85m bid.
Mateus Fernandes becomes Tottenham’s fifth signing of the summer after the arrivals of Andy Robertson, and Marcos Senesi, Martin Dubravka and Jan Paul van Hecke. De Zerbi has been at the centre of these plans and has played a huge role in convincing Fernandes to become a part of his project, despite the Lilywhites narrowly escaping relegation on the final day of last season.
Mateus Fernandes is a Tottenham player!
Spurs have enjoyed a productive summer transfer window, with Fernandes becoming the latest face to walk through the Hotspur Way corridors.
“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,” Fernandes said in his first official interview with our club.
“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.”
“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,” Roberto De Zerbi added.
“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’ shirt number confirmed
Spurs have not confirmed the length of contract for the versatile midfielder, who has represented Portugal just once but is not part of their World Cup squad. What the club have revealed is that the youngster will be sporting the number 18 shirt next season.
The 21-year-old has spent the past two seasons in the Premier League with Southampton and West Ham, although each club were relegated to the Championship. Nonetheless, Fernandes had impressive campaigns with both clubs, scooping Southampton’s Player of the Season award before delivering four goals and three assists in 36 league appearances for West Ham this past term.
Let’s hope Fernandes quickly adjusts to De Zerbi’s system and becomes a fan favourite at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.