Manchester United are closing in on their second signing of the summer.
United have already reached a total agreement with Atalanta for the services of Ederson. In a recent interview, the Brazil midfielder insisted: “It’s almost all done, but now I’m here and I have to enjoy this moment to the fullest.”
INEOS are aiming to add at least two more midfielders to Michael Carrick’s side. A report suggests a breakthrough has been made in the search for a second midfielder.
Manchester United close in on Mateus Fernandes
Manchester United have been chasing West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes for some time now, establishing themselves as his preferred destination despite interest from Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, and Real Madrid.
Tottenham Hotspur entered the picture this week. On Saturday, it emerged that they are nearing an agreement with the Portuguese midfielder’s camp.
However, Football Insider now claims United have agreed personal terms with Fernandes and are “making progress towards a full transfer agreement.”
West Ham are thought to be holding out for over £80 million for the midfielder, with United “hoping to conclude a deal worth £65m plus add ons.”
Furthermore, the report states: “The 20-times Premier League champions will hope that the offer of Champions League football will allow them to beat Tottenham to the signing of Fernandes, but transfer chiefs do not want to be drawn into a bidding war.”
Why Manchester United want Mateus Fernandes
It is understood Ederson, who will move to Old Trafford in a £35m deal, is viewed as a bolstering option for the squad. However, Fernandes will be expected to gain a starting role in the Premier League should he leave east London for Manchester.
Signed from Southampton last year, the Portuguese youngster enjoyed a promising season with West Ham, despite failing to avoid the relegation for the Hammers.
Fernandes has the athleticism and technical ability to make his presence felt in all phases of the game. After impressing as an attacking midfielder at Southampton, the former Sporting CP gem earned plaudits for his performances as a hybrid option between a No 6 and a No 8.
Mateus Fernandes Premier League stats: 2025/26 Season
| Appearances | 36 |
|---|---|
| Minutes per game | 84 |
| Touches | 58.9 |
| Key passes | 1.0 |
| Accurate passes | 37.9 |
| Interceptions | 1.0 |
| Tackles | 2.9 |
| Goals and assists | 7 |
Source: Sofascore
The West Ham star is a solid ball-winner, who likes to progress the play through powerful ball-carrying and incisive passing.
“He’s got an unbelievably excellent attitude towards becoming better. So he can only use this as being better,” Simon Rusk, who worked with Fernandes at Southampton, told Sky Sports.
Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images
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