Man United has agreed on personal terms to sign their top transfer target in the upcoming summer transfer window
Manchester United are reportedly making serious progress in their pursuit of midfield sensation Mateus Fernandes ahead of the summer transfer window, with reports claiming personal terms have already been agreed between the player and the club.
The Red Devils have intensified their monitoring of the talented Portuguese midfielder after receiving highly positive assessments from their scouting and recruitment department. Fernandes has continued to attract admiration across Europe despite enduring another difficult campaign near the bottom of the Premier League table.
The 21-year-old joined West Ham United from Southampton in a £42 million deal last summer after Southampton suffered relegation following a disappointing season. Even during that troubled campaign, Fernandes stood out as one of the few bright sparks, impressing with his composure, creativity, and energy in midfield. His performances convinced West Ham to invest heavily in him, hoping he would become a key figure at the London Stadium.
However, the midfielder now finds himself battling relegation once again. West Ham are currently locked in a tense survival fight alongside Tottenham Hotspur, sitting in 18th place and trailing Spurs by two points with an inferior goal difference. Their difficult fixture against Newcastle United this weekend could prove decisive in their hopes of remaining in the Premier League.
Earlier reports suggested West Ham would demand as much as £84 million for Fernandes if they were relegated, a figure that would have complicated Manchester United’s summer transfer plans as the club is also targeting additional midfield reinforcements. But fresh information now indicates the valuation may not be as high as initially feared.
According to new claims, the realistic asking price could be closer to £60 million if West Ham drop into the Championship. It is also believed there is no relegation release clause in the player’s contract despite speculation suggesting otherwise.
Manchester United have reportedly opened discussions with Fernandes’ representatives, and the midfielder is said to be enthusiastic about the possibility of moving to Old Trafford. Fellow Portuguese star and United captain Bruno Fernandes is also believed to have spoken positively about the player internally and recommended him to the club.
United’s analytical department reportedly views Fernandes as an ideal fit because of his versatility and ability to operate in several midfield positions. His technical quality, work rate, and tactical intelligence have made him one of the most sought-after young midfielders in Europe.
The competition for his signature is expected to be intense. Chelsea, Manchester City, and Paris Saint-Germain are all understood to be monitoring the situation closely. PSG sporting director Luis Campos, known for recruiting elite Portuguese talent, could present a major challenge for United in the race.
Interestingly, Manchester United had shown interest in Fernandes even before his move to West Ham. Former Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim, who handed the midfielder his senior debut in Portugal, has long been an admirer of his qualities.
With the summer window approaching, Fernandes is now emerging as one of Manchester United’s priority targets as the club looks to rebuild its midfield and strengthen the squad ahead of next season.
