West Ham’s Fernandes joins Spurs in record £85m deal

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West Ham’s Portugal midfielder Mateus Fernandes has joined Spurs after the Hammers’ relegation from the Premier League, the clubs announced on Thursday.

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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).

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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.

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“Spurs is a massive club and the head coach was a key part of why I have decided to join,” Fernandes said.

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“When we spoke, it was very special.

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“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.

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Fernandes moved to England firstly with Southampton two years ago having come through the Sporting Lisbon academy.

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He made his international debut in April but failed to make Roberto Martinez’ World Cup squad.

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“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.

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“Despite his age, he already has good experience in the Premier League and has shown quality and consistency at this level.

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“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.

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“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.

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AFP

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