Tottenham Lands Fernandes in Record Deal After West Ham Relegated

'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,' Fernandes said after completing his 85 million pound transfer from West Ham to Tottenham.

Fernandes, 21, is a Portugal midfielder who has made a name for himself in the Premier League since joining West Ham in 2025. He has scored five goals in 72 Premier League appearances and was a part of the Portugal youth international team that made its debut in April. Fernandes also failed to make Roberto Martinez' World Cup squad.

The transfer marks a significant move for Tottenham, who narrowly avoided relegation last season. Fernandes joins a team that has already signed three other players this summer, including goalkeeper Martin Dubravka and defenders Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson.

According to the BBC, Manchester United was also interested in Fernandes before Tottenham made the move, but Fernandes cited de Zerbi's vision as a key factor in his decision to join the club.

'De Zerbi's style of play and vision for the team were a big draw for me,' Fernandes said. 'I'm excited to be a part of this team and contribute to their success.'

Fernandes' transfer is worth a reported 85 million pounds, making it the highest amount ever paid by Tottenham for a player. The club has previously paid up to 52 million pounds for a player, but Fernandes' transfer exceeds that amount by 33 million pounds.

Fernandes moved to England two years ago after coming through the Sporting Lisbon academy. He has experience playing in the Premier League and has shown quality and consistency at this level.

'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 quality and consistency at this level.'

Fernandes is expected to make his debut for Tottenham in the coming weeks, with the team's first Premier League match set to take place on August 22 against Brentford.