TOTTENHAM Hotspur have completed the long-term signing of Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United.
Spurs confirmed the deal today after agreeing an £85m transfer fee with the relegated West Ham, beating English Premier League rivals Manchester United to the Portuguese midfielder’s signature.
“We are delighted to announce the signing of Mateus Fernandes,” Tottenham stated.
“The 21-year-old Portugal international midfielder joins from West Ham United.”
Fernandes said: “I’m very excited for this next step. Spurs is a massive club and the Head Coach was a key part of why I have decided to join.
“When we spoke, it was very special. We look at football in the same way – going onto the pitch as a strong team, with fight and energy, to try and win every game. I can’t wait to get started, to meet the fans, to meet everyone, and give everything for the Club.”
Describing Fernandes, Tottenham wrote: “One of the outstanding young players in Europe, Mateus has gained valuable Premier League experience over the past two seasons after first impressing at Southampton and then with West Ham last term.
“A product of Sporting CP’s illustrious academy, he moved there from local club Olhanense in 2016 and progressed through the ranks over the next eight years at the Lisbon-based club.
“Featuring regularly for Sporting’s B team in the third tier at 17 years old in 2021/22, the following campaign saw him make his first team debut in the Primeira Liga in October, 2022, and, four days later, came off the bench at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for his maiden UEFA Champions League appearance in our 1-1 draw in the group stage.
“Departing Sporting for Southampton at the age of 20, Mateus ranked in the top 10 for duels won (208) across his 36 appearances in the Premier League and produced six goal contributions (two goals, four assists) – including a stoppage-time strike in their 3-1 defeat in N17 – in 2024/25.
“A constant presence in midfield throughout his maiden season in England, he stood out to claim Southampton’s Player of the Season award before joining West Ham at the end of August, 2025.
“Mateus made his Hammers debut two days after signing and was ever-present in the Premier League from that point onwards, adding another 36 appearances to his tally.
“With a strong defensive work-rate and ball-carrying ability, the all-round midfielder was a standout performer as he finished joint-fifth for most tackles (103) in the league and chipped in with three goals and four assists last term. He also won West Ham’s Goal of the Season award for his superb long-range attempt in a home win over Sunderland in January.”
Manchester United reportedly refused to match West Ham’s demand of a straight £85m fee for Fernandes, instead offering a lower fee plus add-ons.
