Manchester United and Real Madrid are both firmly in the running to sign West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes this summer transfer window.
Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has provided a fresh update on the 21-year-old’s future, confirming interest from multiple top clubs across Europe.
Perhaps the most intriguing development is the involvement of Jose Mourinho, who is preparing to return to Real Madrid for a second spell as manager at the Bernabeu.
Romano revealed that Mourinho has already personally flagged Fernandes as a target, bringing the Portuguese midfielder directly to the attention of the Spanish giants.
“Manchester United remain keen on Mateus Fernandes with more clubs also in the race,” Romano posted on X, adding that more Premier League clubs are also showing interest.
Romano also confirmed that West Ham are expected to demand a fee of around £85m for their prized midfielder, setting up what could be a significant summer battle.
That valuation will raise eyebrows given Fernandes is still just 21 years old and has only completed two seasons of Premier League football to date.
West Ham originally signed Fernandes from Southampton for around £40m just a year ago, meaning the Hammers are looking to more than double their investment in a short space of time.
Both of Fernandes’ Premier League campaigns have ended in relegation, first with Southampton and then with West Ham, which adds further context to the debate over his asking price.
West Ham’s drop into the Championship could, however, significantly weaken their bargaining power, as Fernandes will almost certainly push hard for a move away to avoid second-tier football.
Manchester United appear to view the Portugal international as a priority midfield target, particularly following Casemiro’s departure at the end of his contract this summer.
With multiple Premier League clubs and now Real Madrid all competing for his signature, Fernandes looks set to be one of the most hotly contested transfers of the 2026 summer window.
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