Credit: Imago

Cameron Smith

Thu 21 May 2026 11:10, UK

West Ham United could be set to lose millions on Mateus Fernandes, with the midfielder left out of Portugal’s World Cup squad.

Making the move from Southampton last summer, the midfielder has been a shining light across a dismal year for the Hammers.

Heading into the final day of the season, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are fighting for their survival, with two points separating themselves and Tottenham in 17th.

However, the current likelihood is that Fernandes departs this summer, whether the Irons are relegated to the Championship or not – it is just a case of for how much.

And without the chance to impress at this summer’s tournament, West Ham may be left with no room for negotiation.

Roberto Martinez leaves Mateus Fernandes out of Portugal squad

Across what has been a dismal campaign in East London, Fernandes has been a shining light for West Ham, and is one of, if not the, first names on the teamsheet.

But Portugal boss Roberto Martinez has made the decision to not call up the midfielder to Portugal’s World Cup squad this summer – showcasing the supreme strength that the Iberian nation have in the middle of the park.

Martinez has previously spoke highly of Fernandes, highlighting his versatility after his call-up to the national team back in March.

Instead, Fernandes will join up with the U21s side for a friendly against Northern Ireland.

After naming his squad, Portugal U21 boss Luis Freire told reporters: “Players like Mateus Fernandes have already been with the senior team and have enormous pride in representing Portugal at any level.

“They have already proved a lot in Portuguese football and done work that should leave them proud. Today, he might be a little sad for not going to the World Cup, but they are certain they are already the present and can be the future of the national team.”

The next World Cup will be held in Portugal in 2030, with the nation hosting alongside Spain and Morocco. As a result, the generation of Fernandes are seen as important to keep helping grow and build.

He may have faced limited minutes on the pitch this summer, with Joao Neves, Vitinha, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Neves and Samuel Costa all currently ahead in the pecking order.

Though West Ham may be gutted that the chance is not there to impress, something that could have given them power to demand a higher fee ahead of a pending summer exit.

Mateus Fernandes has been Mr. Consistent for West Ham

Across the campaign, it is not often that the midfielder has let West Ham down.

His stats in terms of goal contributions do remain skewed, with Fernandes operating in a much deeper role across recent months.

But he has often been the main source of quality in the middle of the park, with his supreme technical ability and effectiveness from range being integral under Nuno.

Though, this may not prove enough, with the Hammers currently set to go down barring a final-day turnaround.

As a club with much higher ambitions than simply fighting relegation, West Ham would love to keep and build around Fernandes.

However, he has proven himself as more than capable in the Premier League, with it being a shame that the chance is not there to bump up his value this summer.