Matheus Fernandes has reportedly turned down a move to Manchester United and accepted a move to Tottenham instead. Both clubs have been competing for his signature in recent weeks as they aim to strengthen their squads ahead of the new Premier League season. United are particularly keen to sign another top-class midfielder following the signing of Atalanta playmaker Ederson.
However, efforts to sign the 21-year-old reportedly failed, with The Athletic claiming Tottenham have won the race. According to the newspaper, Spurs made a bigger offer than United, agreeing the club’s biggest ever contract worth around £85 million. The numbers are said to have exceeded what the Red Devils were prepared for.
United achieved success after persevering last summer and are now preparing to shift their focus to other goals.
This means Fernandes is poised to become Tottenham’s fourth summer signing, following Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke.
He currently earns around £60,000 a week at West Ham, but will almost certainly receive a big pay rise in north London.
Fernandes was one of the Hammers’ standout players during their relegation to the Championship last season, making 36 league appearances, scoring three goals and providing four assists.
He will join a deep Tottenham midfield that already includes Conor Gallagher, Rodrigo Bentancur, Papu Matar Sarr, Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall.
However, the latter has informed the club of his desire to take up a new challenge elsewhere and is expected to leave the club this summer.
Yves Bissouma will officially leave Tottenham when his contract expires at the end of this month, while Joao Parinha’s loan contract has expired and a permanent contract has not yet been agreed.
They narrowly survived an unthinkable relegation on the final day of last season, securing their place in the Premier League with a thrilling home victory over Everton.
