Credit: Breaking Media/Manh Tung

Josh Edwards

Sun 17 May 2026 10:04, UK Updated Sun 17 May 2026 10:38, UK

Mateus Fernandes has been heavily linked with a move from West Ham United.

Sunday’s clash between West Ham and Newcastle could all but decide the outcome of the relegation battle, with the Irons then set to be two points behind Tottenham, who would have two games to play.

With that said, a win against the Magpies could ultimately pile the pressure on Spurs to get a result against Chelsea on Tuesday, which may prove difficult after their FA Cup defeat to City.

However, regardless of the outcome of the relegation battle, West Ham will be wary of losing several of their key players.

And with Fernandes linked with an exit, he could be one of them.

Declan Rice sale did not have the desired impact at West Ham

When the Hammers lost Declan Rice, the initial feeling was one of regret, given how well he had fared for West Ham throughout his time with them.

However, the £105million received from his exit was expected to help rebuild the rest of the squad, and those attempts failed badly.

The Irons finished 14th in the 2024-25 season, and can not finish any higher than 17th in the current campaign.

If Fernandes were to leave, amid links to Man United, the initial feeling of regret would be much stronger, knowing that the Irons are highly unlikely to reinvest that money smartly.

West Ham need to build around these types of players to progress, as opposed to selling them to raise funds elsewhere.

Relegation will make sure of Fernandes exit

If the Hammers avoid relegation, they may well be able to keep the former Southampton midfielder, though they will have their resolve tested.

If relegation is the outcome, then there is next to no chance that we will ever see Fernandes in a West Ham shirt again beyond this season.

And that will be the same with several other key players, showcasing just how much is riding on these final two games.