Tottenham Hotspur has completed the signing of Portugal midfielder Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United for a club-record fee of 85 million pounds ($113.4 million), both clubs announced on Thursday. The 21-year-old moves across London following West Ham's relegation from the Premier League.
Record Transfer Fee
The 85 million pounds surpasses Tottenham's previous record of 52 million pounds paid for Netherlands attacker Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig last August. Fernandes, who arrived in London in 2025, becomes Spurs' fourth confirmed signing of the summer, with the club also reportedly agreeing a deal to bring Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali.
Fernandes' Comments
Speaking about his move, Fernandes said: "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."
Manager's Praise
Spurs manager Roberto de Zerbi, tasked with rebuilding a squad that narrowly avoided relegation to the Championship last season, expressed his admiration for the midfielder. "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."
Career Background
Fernandes moved to England two years ago, joining Southampton from the Sporting Lisbon academy. He has scored five goals in 72 Premier League appearances since heading to St Mary's. The Portugal youth international made his senior international debut in April but failed to make Roberto Martinez's World Cup squad. According to the BBC, Manchester United were also interested in signing Fernandes.
