David Sullivan tactics outlined as ExWHUEmployee shares Mateus Fernandes bid update
David Sullivan is seemingly looking to employ a tactic that has already worked well for West Ham United this summer in his attempt to sign Southampton’s Mateus Fernandes.
West Ham have brought in El Hadji Malick Diouf and Mads Hermansen for a combined fee of around £39million this summer, while Jean-Clair Todibo’s permanent deal has set the Irons back £33m.
Graham Potter will be after more additions before the window shuts on 1 September, though, particularly when accounting for the loss of key attacker Mohammed Kudus to Tottenham.
Fernandes is a player who would certainly tick plenty of boxes for the Hammers, although it could cost West Ham around £43m to sign the Southampton midfielder.
West Ham wide apart from Southampton’s valuation of Fernandes
Not many are expecting West Ham to have a great season this time around, but that could change with one or two more top-quality additions.
Some will argue that Fernandes is not exactly in that bracket, but he is a player West Ham clearly like the look of.
Indeed, as per ExWHUEmployee via The West Ham Way Patreon on Tuesday, the Irons are said to have indirectly confirmed a bid has been submitted for Fernandes, who made 36 Premier League appearances last season.
It is claimed that valuations are very distant at this point, but it may be that Sullivan has a plan.
- Mateus Fernandes made 36 Premier League appearances last season
- Cost Southampton a reported £15m in August 2024
- Saints now want a total package of £43m, according to certain reports
West Ham could explore alternative targets, it is said, which is the same approach West Ham took with Hermansen – and one that worked well.
Ultimately, West Ham do not want to overpay for Fernandes and they know it could be about biding their time.
Read more: West Ham also retain an interest in a Roma midfielder
Should they find an alternative, Southampton will be aware United are no longer so desperate to land their own player.
West Ham could do with new signing before Sunderland clash
Potter has just three more days between now and Saturday’s showdown with newly promoted Sunderland.
The Englishman would no doubt love a couple more players through the door before then, but realistically speaking, that will not happen.
It may well be that any more deals are now concluded closer to Deadline Day, which is not ideal.
Whether or not Fernandes will be heading through the London Stadium door remains to be seen.
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