West Ham know what to pay as bid now prepared for Mateus Fernandes transfer
West Ham have accelerated in the market and are not slowing down as they prepare a bid for Mateus Fernandes.
The Hammers have welcomed several new signings to the London Stadium over the past month.
Goalkeeper Mads Hermansen is the latest to join Graham Potter’s side, and he could make his debut during West Ham’s opening Premier League fixture against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light (18 August).
This follows Callum Wilson, who could provide immediate release for the Hammers next season. But Potter is far from done as Fernandes’ arrival becomes a true reality.
Fernandes could cost West Ham £30million
Fernandes was linked to West Ham earlier in the window, with the Hammers said to have enquired about the midfielder.
However, the London club are now set to intensify their pursuit of the Southampton star.
As reported by The Guardian (11 August), West Ham are preparing an opening bid for Fernandes. The Portuguese midfielder is expected to leave Southampton after the Saints’ relegation from the Premier League, and could cost around £30million.
- The Hammers are assessing several midfielders, including Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey and Lille’s Ngal’ayel Mukau. However, Fernandes has emerged as their top target
- Potter wants to add creativity and energy to the midfield
- The 21-year-old caught the eye of multiple suitors last season, but West Ham are optimistic a deal will be struck
Their explosion in the transfer window should excite West Ham fans who have had a pretty bland summer till this point. It also highlights the willingness of the club to be proactive when hitting a brick wall, such as Villa being hesitant to sell Ramsey to the London club.
This current activity demonstrates that Potter and the club are clear in their vision for the project and are determined to bring it to life. As a result, the Hammers are a team opposition should keep a watchful eye on next season.
Fernandes would boost West Ham’s Premier League chances
Potter knows he needs to inject more creative life into the midfield, and it seems he is finally doing something about it.
Lucas Paqueta cannot be expected to hold down the fort alone, and even he has caught the attention of clubs like Newcastle United. As such, with Paqueta’s future uncertain, Fernandes becomes more than a want – he becomes a need.
He is a unique profile who excels in a defensive midfield role, but is comfortable in the central or even attacking midfield. This would hand West Ham a massive boost where flexibility and squad depth are concerned. Therefore, this is a signing the Hammers need to get over the line this summer.
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