Tottenham Hotspur sign Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United for a club-record £85 million
Updated 02/07/2026 at 10:56 GMT+1
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Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of Portugal international Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United, the club announced on Thursday. The 21-year-old midfielder moves to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for a reported club-record fee of £85 million after an impressive 2025/26 campaign.
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Spurs are hoping to rebuild their squad after back-to-back 17th-place finishes in the Premier League table.
Fernandes says that manager Roberto De Zerbi played a big role in tempting him to move to north London.
"I'm very excited for this next step," he said. "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."
Fernandes was one of the few shining lights in a disastrous season for West Ham which saw them relegated to the Championship after finishing 18th in the Premier League table.
The midfielder made 36 top-flight appearances for The Hammers last term, producing four goals and three assists.
His performances also saw him receive a nomination for the Premier League Young Player of the Season award.
Last season was his first with West Ham, having joined the club from Southampton in the summer.
He spent one campaign with The Saints, scoring two goals and producing four assists in 36 Premier League appearances.
However, he was not selected in Portugal’s squad for this summer’s FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
De Zerbi admitted that he has appreciated the midfielder's qualities for a while.
"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," he said.
"Despite his age, he already has good experience in the Premier League and has shown quality and consistency at this level.
"Mateus is comfortable under pressure, can progress the ball, works hard for the team and has the courage to make things happen in difficult moments.
"I believe this is the ideal environment for him to continue his development and I'm excited to start working with him."
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Spurs will get their 2026/27 Premier League campaign underway on August 22 when they travel to Brentford for their opening game.
They have been linked with several big-name players this summer, including Newcastle United's Italian maestro Sandro Tonali, who is reportedly close to completing a move to north London.
Fernandes was linked with a move to several European giants this summer, including Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain.
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