Mateus Fernandes appears most likely to be Manchester United’s next summer transfer addition, but there is still a lot to sort out.
With a deal agreed for Manchester United to sign Ederson after his World Cup involvement for Brazil, attention has turned toward who is next.
Despite nothing advanced, Mateus Fernandes appears to be next up for United, with talk of a formal bid for the 21-year-old beginning to heat up.
United lead the race for Fernandes, seemingly already seeing off competition from Arsenal and being ahead of PSG and Real Madrid. Now, United’s current plan has been explained.
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Fabrizio Romano says Manchester United are moving forward for Mateus Fernandes
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has explained what United are trying to do during talks for Fernandes to bring down the £85m price tag.
“Man United are not going to pay completely crazy money.
“So Man United wants to understand if there is the possibility to restructure the deal, maybe a lower fee than 85 million, but maybe adding some add-ons, and try to find a different structure.
“So talks are ongoing with Man United. There are more clubs also interested. So it’s not only United and Real Madrid, but Man United are there.
“Man United are interested. Man United are working on it. And so for sure, an interesting situation to follow.”
This would be similar to the deals for Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo, with initial fees being lower, with add-ons bringing it up to the demands.
United should be able to get the initial fee to a maximum of £70m and then add-ons, which should be performance-based.
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Jason Wilcox is behind the Fernandes move
Fernandes is pretty unanimously considered an excellent signing for United as supporters recognise his potential and performances in a poor West Ham side last season.
Now, Alex Crook has reported that the move for Fernandes has been driven primarily by director of football Jason Wilcox.
Wilcox was reportedly a driving force behind Fernandes joining Southampton, as he played a key role in the groundwork for the Portuguese midfielder before leaving for United in 2024, as Fernandes joined three months after.
Now, Wilcox wants Fernandes again, and this time, he will be sticking around to get the credit for the deal.
This has the potential to be one of the best signings of the decade if Fernandes becomes the player expected in the next few years.
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