Manchester United are firmly in the middle of a transfer saga with Mateus Fernandes, and one scenario will leave them with a ‘decision to make’.
What was expected to be a straightforward move to follow Ederson through the door at Old Trafford has suddenly become complicated.
It’s clear that Mateus Fernandes wants to join Man Utd, but Jorge Mendes is keeping his cards close to his chest, while West Ham are driving a hard bargain.
United hold an advantage due to the player’s preference, but there’s one scenario that could force them to make a decision.
Man Utd may be in for a long transfer saga over Mateus Fernandes: What is the most INFURIATING/PAINFUL one you can recall?
Mateus Fernandes transfer update
If last summer’s business was any indication, United only negotiate with clubs if the player is interested in joining.
The fact that they are readying a bid to be sent to West Ham shows Fernandes wants to join, and the personal terms are not expected to be a problem.
The hurdle comes with West Ham’s asking price, which hasn’t budged from the £80m mark.
The hope was that it would naturally come down once Fernandes ends the bidding war by pledging his allegiance to Man Utd, like Bryan Mbeumo did last summer.
However, that is not happening, and The Athletic report that United’s refusal to meet the asking price will be sternly tested if another club matches that demand.
In that case, United will have a “decision to make”, with West Ham well within their rights to reject a lower bid from United.
It is interesting to note that Spurs allegedly bid a higher amount for Mbeumo last summer as well, but the player was so public in his preference that Brentford had no choice.
Fernandes needs to do the same if he is to get this move, instead of listening to his agent.
Man Utd need to strike a balance with Fernandes deal
United’s refusal to bow down to demands in the transfer market is a long overdue stance, but it is dangerous as well.
What is the maximum fee Man Utd should realistically pay for West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes? 💰
Does the potential transfer depend on West Ham getting relegated?
They are in a very public pursuit of Fernandes, and losing him to another club at this point would set the transfer window back immensely.
At the same time, paying what West Ham are asking for him is unrealistic as well, which is the balance United need to strike with this deal.
Can they bring that asking price down, without West Ham accepting another club’s bid? Even if that happens, can they rely on Fernandes to reject other moves, like Mbeumo did?
Some clarity is long overdue on this, either way, because the current state of affairs is too messy.
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