Credit: Imago

Declan Carr

Thu 12 March 2026 20:10, UK

Mateus Fernandes has been one of the shining lights in a miserable season for West Ham United.

The 21-year-old has notched three goals and three assists in 27 Premier League matches, a vital contribution to the survival battle.

As a result of his exploits at the London Stadium, Fernandes has been linked with the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal.

West Ham must do everything that they can to keep him around beyond the end of the current campaign, whatever league they are in.

Why West Ham fans will be scared about Fernandes’ future

Fernandes’ latest admission may leave West Ham supporters fearing the worst though, as he named a Liverpool star among his top three opponents.

Towering defender Virgil van Dijk was the man who the Hammers star labelled as one of the most difficult to play against.

Speaking to the club’s official website, he said: “Boubacar Kamara, Bruno Fernandes and Virgil van Dijk. They are all top, top players.”

Fernandes’ comments could be double trouble

Fernandes’ comments will surely have fans concerned, as it will only serve to increase speculation about a move to Anfield.

He would likely love the chance to play alongside the Dutch star, as he clearly rates him very highly, but whether the Reds make an official bid remains to be seen.

If they do, then the Irons may struggle to convince the Portugal Under-21 ace that his future remains in East London.

He has also been linked with Manchester United, with talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook claiming that the Red Devils hold an interest.

The fact that he named Bruno Fernandes alongside the Dutchman will be another concern from Hammers fans.

However, that could be due to the fact that he came through the Sporting academy, and the United ace played for the Portuguese club between 2017 and 2020, before earning the move to Old Trafford.

Right now, his focus is on the E20 outfit and helping them stay in the top-flight, any transfer speculation will be on the backburner, until Nuno Espirito Santo’s side know where they will be playing next season.

It is not ideal though, that Fernandes is naming players who play for clubs that are interested in his services, although, it should not serve as too much of a distraction at the moment.