Manchester United’s pursuit of West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes faces a major hurdle.
After reaching an agreement to sign Ederson from Atalanta, Manchester United are still searching for midfielders to help improve Michael Carrick’s team ahead of the 2026/27 season.
This has led to United being linked to £85m-valued Mateus Fernandes, as club chiefs engage in talks with the Portugal international’s entourage.
Fernandes is a highly sought-after midfield option after West Ham were relegated from the Premier League. The Hammers need to make approximately £100m in player sales this summer, and they’re hoping to make the majority of that from one deal involving the former Southampton star.
What is the maximum fee Man Utd should realistically pay for West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes? 💰
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Jorge Mendes working on Mateus Fernandes transfer
The Spanish press continues to highlight how former United manager Jose Mourinho wants Real Madrid to sign Fernandes.
United know they will face competition for Fernandes, whose preferred destination is Old Trafford, based on previous reports.
Spanish newspaper AS has provided an update on the United target, stating Mourinho has made Fernandes one of his priority targets in the summer transfer window.
It is understood that Mourinho’s agent, Jorge Mendes, is already working on a deal that is complex.
Mourinho is convinced of Fernandes’ ability to develop further into an even better player than he has shown in the Premier League.
The same report claims Real Madrid also likes Sporting CP’s Morten Hjulmand, who was linked to United in the past.
It remains to be seen if Fernandes’ head will be turned by Madrid or if he’ll remain in the Premier League by prioritising a move to Old Trafford.
- ⚡️ NEWS IN BRIEF
- Jose Mourinho has made Manchester United-linked Mateus Fernandes a priority target for Real Madrid
- Mourinho’s agent Jorge Mendes is already working on a deal to take Fernandes from West Ham to Real Madrid
- Fernandes won’t be competing at the World Cup, meaning his future could be arranged before the tournament ends later this summer
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Who was the last player Jose Mourinho signed from Man Utd?
Mourinho has signed a few players from United in the past.
The most recent was Nemanja Matic at Roma in 2022.
Remarkably, it was the third time Mourinho had signed Matic.
The Serb anchored Mourinho’s Roma midfield to the Europa League final.
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