West Ham’s Portugal midfielder Mateus Fernandes has joined Tottenham Hotspur following the Hammers’ relegation from the Premier League, both clubs confirmed on Thursday.
The 21-year-old, who arrived in London in 2025, completed a move across the capital reportedly worth a club-record fee of £85 million ($113.4 million).
The deal surpasses Spurs’ previous record signing, the £52 million paid for Dutch attacker Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig last August.
Fernandes joins as Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi continues rebuilding a squad that narrowly avoided relegation to the Championship last season.
“Spurs is a massive club and the head coach was a key part of why I decided to join,” Fernandes said.
“When we spoke, it was very special. We see football in the same way — going onto the pitch as a strong team with fight and energy, trying to win every game,” he added.
Fernandes initially moved to England with Southampton two years ago after graduating from Sporting Lisbon’s academy.
He has scored five goals in 72 Premier League appearances since joining Southampton.
The Portugal youth international made his senior debut in April but was not included in Roberto Martinez’s World Cup squad.
According to the BBC, Manchester United were also interested in signing him.
Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi praised the midfielder’s qualities and said he would be a key addition to the squad.
“I’ve admired Mateus for a long time because he combines quality on the ball with the intensity and intelligence that are so important in the way we want to play,” De Zerbi said.
“Despite his age, he already has good experience in the Premier League and has shown consistency at this level.
“He is comfortable under pressure, can progress the ball, works hard for the team, and has the courage to make things happen in difficult moments,” he added.
Fernandes becomes Spurs’ fourth confirmed signing of the summer, amid reports of a deal for Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali.
Goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka and defenders Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson and Jan Paul van Hecke are also among the club’s reported arrivals this transfer window.
Tottenham begin their Premier League campaign on August 22 away at Brentford.
AFP
