David Sullivan gives West Ham fans something to cheer about in major Mateus Fernandes update
West Ham are closing in on the signing of Southampton star Mateus Fernandes.
With all of the talk over the future of Graham Potter at West Ham, it has somewhat been forgotten just how important these next few days are going to be.
Good recruitment is needed, with West Ham linked with a move to sign Fernandes from Southampton earlier in the summer.
Now, a new update has emerged on his future, and it could finally bring a little bit of optimism back to the London Stadium.
Mateus Fernandes set for West Ham medical
West Ham had no secret of their desire to sign Fernandes this summer, after having a £32million bid rejected by the Saints last week.
However, it now appears an agreement has been reached, with Telegraph journalist Mike McGrath reporting via X that the midfielder is undergoing a medical with the Hammers on Thursday.
“Mateus Fernandes medical at West Ham,” McGrath posted. “West Ham gave been in talks with Southampton and agreement appears to be made for the 21-year-old midfielder.”
Despite a dreadful campaign for Southampton as a whole, Fernandes recorded nine goal contributions from midfield, while playing a variety of positions.
West Ham’s defeat to Sunderland on the opening day exposed their lack of creativity and mobility in the midfield areas, and Fernandes will address that.
If all goes well, the Portuguese 21-year-old should be announced as a West Ham player before the weekend, and could make his debut against Nottingham Forest.
What will this mean for Lucas Paqueta?
Fernandes’ arrival doesn’t necessarily mean much in regard to Lucas Paqueta’s future at West Ham, though it does somewhat open the door to an exit.
Paqueta has constantly been mooted for a departure from the London Stadium, and if a reasonable offer is made, the Irons are said to be open to his departure.
With a replacement in the door, that could take a step further, though it would still likely mean that another midfielder would have to come in.
West Ham’s priority for now will be to get this deal over the line, and once done, they can start making decisions elsewhere.
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