What's Happening?
West Ham United has reached an agreement to sign Southampton midfielder Mateus Fernandes for a fee exceeding £40 million. The 21-year-old Portuguese Under-21 international is set to undergo a medical in London, marking West Ham's third-largest signing after Sebastien Haller and Lucas Paqueta. Fernandes has been a key player for Southampton, having played 46 matches, scored four goals, and provided seven assists since joining from Sporting last summer for £15 million. The acquisition is expected to bolster West Ham's squad, which has struggled at the start of the season under manager Graham Potter, losing their first three matches across all competitions.
Why It's Important?
The signing of Mateus Fernandes is significant for West Ham as it aims to strengthen its midfield and improve its performance following a disappointing start to the season. The investment in Fernandes reflects the club's commitment to enhancing its squad depth and competitiveness in the league. For Southampton, the transfer represents a substantial profit on their initial investment, showcasing their ability to develop and sell talent at a premium. This move could impact the dynamics of the Premier League, as West Ham seeks to climb the standings and Southampton adjusts to the loss of a key player.
What's Next?
Fernandes is expected to complete his medical and finalize the transfer to West Ham, joining the team in their efforts to reverse their early-season fortunes. Manager Graham Potter will likely integrate Fernandes into the squad quickly to address the team's current challenges. Meanwhile, Southampton will need to strategize on filling the gap left by Fernandes and potentially reinvest the transfer funds into new signings. West Ham is also close to signing Monaco midfielder Soungoutou Magassa, which could further strengthen their midfield options.
