Tottenham Hotspur Agree £85m Deal To Sign West Ham Midfielder Mateus Fernandes

Tottenham Hotspur agreed a deal to sign West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes for £85m, with the player given permission to undergo his Spurs medical on Tuesday 30 June 2026 21:15, UK.

“Tottenham have agreed an £85m deal to sign Portugal midfielder Mateus Fernandes from West Ham”

BBC

Sky Sports said Manchester United pushed hard for Fernandes but were not willing to overpay for the 21-year-old, while Spurs were determined to win the race and would have matched any offer United made.

BBC

Football365 said respected reporter David Ornstein revealed on Tuesday evening that Tottenham had won the race to sign Fernandes after offering £85m for the midfielder, and Ornstein wrote on X: 'EXCLUSIVE: Tottenham Hotspur win race to sign Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United.'

The BBC and other outlets framed the decision as a competition between clubs, with Football365 adding that Fernandes ultimately chose Tottenham because of his belief in Roberto De Zerbi’s vision for the club and the opportunity to remain in London.

Football365 reported that Fernandes’ camp insisted the move was "not simply a case of joining the highest bidder," and it said sources with direct knowledge of the negotiations confirmed Fernandes chose Tottenham for his belief in Roberto De Zerbi’s vision.

Sky Sports quoted Jamie Redknapp saying, "It is great news for Tottenham fans and there will be a lot of excitement as this is something we have never really seen before," as he pointed to Spurs having "a real go in the market."

Cartilage Free Captain

Sky Sports News reporter Michael Bridge described the fight as a straight contest between Spurs and United, saying, "it looks like Spurs are now going to win the race to sign Fernandes," after West Ham’s insistence on £85m.

Sports Illustrated added that Fernandes made the decision to join Roberto De Zerbi’s project in north London, and it said the £85 million was said to be a guaranteed fee.

The Guardian said Fernandes is due to have a medical before signing his contract, and it described Tottenham as poised to break their transfer record after beating Manchester United to the signing of Fernandes for £85m.

“TOTTENHAM Hotspur have reportedly agreed a guaranteed £85million move to sign former Saints midfielder Mateus Fernandes from West Ham”

Daily Echo

The Guardian also reported that Tottenham have boosted their defence by signing Jan Paul van Hecke for £52m from Brighton and securing Marcos Senesi on a free transfer from Bournemouth, while De Zerbi hopes to sign Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali.

The New York Times said Fernandes will become Spurs’ fourth signing of the summer if completed, with Andy Robertson and Marco Senesi arriving as free agents and Jan Paul van Hecke joining from Brighton & Hove Albion for £52m, and it added that West Ham stood firm on their valuation.

For Manchester United, Football365 said they missed out on Fernandes after being unwilling to reach the £85m Spurs put up, and Sports Illustrated said the Hammers’ relegation after a 2025–26 campaign left Fernandes attracting suitors from across the Premier League and beyond.