Mateus Fernandes exit fears grow stronger at West Ham, stats show why summer disappointment inevitable
Mateus Fernandes has already attracted interest at West Ham this season.
West Ham were on the wrong end of a hammering against Liverpool on Saturday, with the Irons still stuck in the relegation zone.
After a 5-2 defeat, there would usually be no positives, but in regard to Fernandes, there was.
The summer arrival bossed the midfield at Anfield, just as he has done throughout the campaign, but that looks set to come at a cost for West Ham.
And it could come as early as this summer.
- Read more: Karren Brady considers imminent West Ham resignation as recent exit hits hard at London Stadium
Two Premier League sides are already circling for Mateus Fernandes
Fernandes was the star of last season’s Leicester City team, and that has been the case again at West Ham this season.
However, his form has already caught the attention of both Man United and Man City, who have been linked with a summer swoop for the midfielder.
And his stats from the current campaign showcase exactly why.
Fernandes won eight duels against Liverpool at the weekend, taking him to a total of 145 this season in the Premier League.
As demonstrated by his Sofascore graphic below, Fernandes has also completed 87 per cent of his passes this season, with an average of 35.7 per 90 minutes.
The 21-year-old has created 28 chances in 25 Premier League starts, but with an average of 4.9 ball recoveries per game, it showcases his impact at both ends of the pitch.
They’re stats that any midfielder would be proud of, but to be putting up those numbers in a struggling West Ham side showcases why the Hammers will already be fearing for his exit in the summer.
Are West Ham already resigned to Fernandes exit?
If the Hammers suffer relegation, which, with 10 games to go, is looking likely, they can kiss goodbye to their hopes of keeping Fernandes. It really is as simple as that.
However, if West Ham can avoid the drop, they have a chance of being able to retain the services of the 21-year-old, despite interest from several elite clubs.
Fernandes will have a key role in preventing relegation, as will the likes of Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville, who will also be on the move if Championship football beckons.
Not only will the remaining part of the season determine West Ham’s Premier League status, but it will also paint a clear picture as to who will be here next season and who will be away.
For even more West Ham news and opinions, head over to Football Insider.