Manchester United identified Mateus Fernandes as a target that could potentially be signed in a cut price deal. Nobody thought his valuation would be £85 million after West Ham were relegated from the Premier League on the final day of the season.
It’s rarely an easy task for Manchester United to find value in the market.
Without sounding like Sir Alex Ferguson, who often complained about there being no value in the market, Ineos need to try to change how the club is perceived in the transfer market.
United don’t want to be held to ransom by clubs over transfer targets. Nottingham Forest attempted exactly that with Elliot Anderson by demanding over £120m for the midfielder before United rightly walked away from a potential bidding war with Man City.
Should Man Utd walk away from the Mateus Fernandes deal if West Ham refuse to lower their asking price? 🤔
West Ham are sticking to their £85m demands for Mateus Fernandes
Man Utd right to consider alternatives to Mateus Fernandes
Cast your mind back a month or so to the end of the 2025/26 season.
With Tottenham narrowly avoiding relegation, West Ham lost their Premier League status on the final weekend of the season.
United’s interest in Fernandes seemed opportunistic. A midfield target only if West Ham were relegated, the plan relied entirely on exploiting a Championship drop to secure a cut-price deal.
West Ham still need over £100m in player sales, yet they are stubbornly clinging to an extortionate £85m asking price for Fernandes. It makes you wonder: if they are demanding this much after being relegated, what on earth would he cost had they actually stayed up?
United’s real obstacle isn’t market competition; it’s Tottenham’s sheer desperation. Back-to-back 17th-place finishes have left Spurs requiring a rebuild, which explains why they are dancing to West Ham’s tune – eager to outbid United for Fernandes to save face.
Reports that United are considering alternatives to Fernandes are welcome. He is a fantastic player, aged just 21, but the Reds can’t afford to have their pants pulled down in the transfer market.
United should consider walking away from the Fernandes deal – like they did with Anderson – if the price doesn’t come down.
Man Utd may be in for a long transfer saga over Mateus Fernandes: What is the most INFURIATING/PAINFUL one you can recall?
Man Utd’s Mateus Fernandes valuation is £25m short
There is still a chance United will bid £85m for Fernandes, but Sky Sports claims the club values the former Southampton ace at around £60m.
The report also states United may be prepared to offer more depending on the movement of other clubs.
Fernandes has also been linked with a move to Real Madrid, but it remains to be seen if the La Liga giants are willing to pay £85m for his signature.
It means more when a football club puts their money where their mouth is when it comes to transfer targets.
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