Manchester United’s pursuit of West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes has taken a significant turn after one update from overseas
Mateus Fernandes just became that much less likely to join Manchester United this summer after Real Madrid’s presidential election result. Florentino Perez retained his seat at the head of Los Blancos on Sunday following a landslide win over challenger Enrique Riquelme.
As a knock-on result of that, Jose Mourinho is poised to return to the Bernabeu once he leaves Benfica. And the former Old Trafford boss is widely expected to advance with a move for Fernandes following reports he’s a big fan of his Portuguese compatriot.
Fernandes, 21, has been touted for the London Stadium exit following West Ham’s relegation from the Premier League. And it seems only a matter of time before his departure is confirmed given the pedigree of clubs being linked with his signature.
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Unfortunately for United, Real’s interest will complicate matters if they are indeed serious about recruiting the playmaker. It’s not often players from the continent turn down the magnetic allure of the Bernabeu, even if Real are coming off the back of a trophy-less campaign.
It’s reported West Ham are holding out for as much as £80million in the event they sell Fernandes this summer. However, any final selling price may end up being significantly less given the Hammers’ more desperate position following relegation.
Mourinho, 63, is set to leave Benfica and return to Real’s helm 13 years after his first spell in charge came to an unceremonious end. He’ll replace Alvaro Arbeloa, who failed to make a success of the past season in charge after he replaced Xabi Alonso midway through the campaign.
Real already boast some of the finest midfielders in the world, including a couple rumoured to be on United’s radar. Both Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde have been linked with moves to Old Trafford after the pair came to blows on the training field earlier this season.
However, Perez has indicated both players will remain at Real after being fined and disciplined. Nonetheless, the club has been tipped to make a move for Fernandes in the event Mourinho is installed in the hot seat.
The development means Michael Carrick may be forced to look elsewhere in his hunt for midfield reinforcements. United are on the verge of adding Atalanta’s Ederson to their options as key man Casemiro heads for the exit.
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However, more engine-room additions are believed to be on the agenda as uncertainty reigns over Manuel Ugarte’s future. The Uruguayan has been linked with the Old Trafford exit himself and could leave for half the £50m fee United paid for his services in 2024.
Fernandes has added appeal in the summer transfer window given he’s not part of Portugal’s squad for World Cup 2026. That leaves more room to expedite his transfer away from West Ham, though he may wish to hold out and see if Real follow up their interest before making a decision on his future.