Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of Portugal midfielder, Mateus Fernandes, from West Ham United for a club-record fee of £85 million.
The Premier League club did not disclose the length of the 21-year-old’s contract.
Fernandes, who has made one senior appearance for Portugal, is not part of his country’s squad for the ongoing FIFA World Cup.
De Zerbi explains decision
Tottenham head coach, Roberto de Zerbi, said Fernandes has been on the club’s radar for some time and praised the midfielder’s technical ability and work ethic.
“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.
“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.
“I believe this is the ideal environment for him to continue his development.”
Tottenham beat rival interest
Tottenham secured the transfer ahead of Manchester United, who were interested in Fernandes but were unwilling to match Spurs’ offer. The agreed fee is a guaranteed £85 million, with no performance-related add-ons.
Fernandes emerged as one of Tottenham’s priority midfield targets after the club failed in an earlier attempt to sign Italy international Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United. Spurs have since agreed a separate £100 million deal for Tonali.
Fifth signing of the summer
Fernandes becomes Tottenham’s fifth signing of the summer transfer window. His arrival follows those of goalkeeper Martin Dubravka and defenders Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson and Jan Paul van Hecke.
The midfielder spent the past two seasons in the Premier League with Southampton and West Ham, although both clubs were relegated to the Championship during that period.
Fernandes eager for new challenge
Fernandes said De Zerbi’s vision played a major role in his decision to join Tottenham.
“I’m very excited for this next step. Spurs is a massive club, and the head coach was a key part of why I have decided to join,” Fernandes said.
“When we spoke, it was very special. We look at football in the same way – going onto the pitch as a strong team, with fight and energy, to try to win every game.”
