Manchester United have moved ahead in the Mateus Fernandes Manchester United transfer by agreeing personal terms with the West Ham midfielder. The next step is harder: they still need to strike a fee with West Ham, and Tottenham remain in the picture.
Old Trafford moves first
Fernandes, 21, wants to leave east London after West Ham’s relegation, and United have already done the part of the deal that brings the player onside. That leaves the club-to-club negotiation, where West Ham are holding out for at least £80m.
United turned to him after agreeing a £35m deal with Atalanta for Ederson, another sign that Michael Carrick wants more than one new body through the door. He had instructed the club to sign at least two new midfielders this summer after Casemiro’s departure.
West Ham hold the price
West Ham’s position is built around the player’s age, last season’s performances and the fact that he was unable to stop the club dropping into the Championship. Fernandes impressed before that slide, and the club have made clear they do not need to sell for financial reasons.
Daniel Kretinsky said, “We have a very credible strategy,” and added, “We don’t need to sell the players for financial reasons.” He also said, “We are doing this to make sure we are promoted back to the Premier League immediately,” before adding, “That is our only goal.”
Tottenham still linger
Tottenham were still in contact with Fernandes and West Ham over a summer deal, even as United believed they were leading the race. Arsenal pulled out and moved to other targets, while Real Madrid were looking elsewhere because they believe Fernandes is heading to Old Trafford.
That leaves United trying to convert one completed step into the deal they actually want. Personal terms are in place, the player wants the move, and the fee is the last barrier between Fernandes and Old Trafford.
