Mateus Fernandes to Man Utd takes twist as £80m transfer moves closer | Football | Sport
Manchester United’s hopes of signing Mateus Fernandes this summer have taken a significant blow following the outcome of Real Madrid’s presidential election. Florentino Perez held on to his position at the helm of Los Blancos on Sunday after a commanding victory over rival candidate Enrique Riquelme.
As a direct consequence, Jose Mourinho is set to make his return to the Bernabeu once he departs Benfica. The former United manager is widely expected to pursue a move for Fernandes, with reports suggesting the Portuguese boss is a keen admirer of his fellow countryman.
Fernandes, 21, has been strongly linked with an exit from the London Stadium in the wake of West Ham’s relegation from the Premier League. Given the calibre of clubs circling his signature, his departure appears to be merely a question of when rather than if.
For United, Real Madrid’s reported interest threatens to derail their pursuit of the creative midfielder. Players from across Europe rarely resist the pull of the Bernabeu, even with Madrid having endured a barren season without silverware.
It’s understood West Ham are demanding as much as £80million should they part with Fernandes this summer.
Mourinho, 63, is poised to depart Benfica and return to Madrid’s dugout 13 years after his initial stint in charge concluded in ignominious fashion. He’ll succeed Alvaro Arbeloa, who struggled to deliver success during the previous campaign after replacing Xabi Alonso midway through the season.
Madrid already have some of the world’s finest midfielders, including a pair rumoured to be on United’s wishlist. Both Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde have been linked with moves to Old Trafford following their training-ground altercation earlier this campaign.
Yet Perez has suggested both players will stay after receiving fines and disciplinary action. Even so, the club has been tipped to pursue Fernandes should Mourinho be appointed manager.
This development means Michael Carrick may be forced to explore alternative options in his search for midfield additions. United are close to securing Atalanta’s Ederson to bolster their ranks as key figure Casemiro prepares to depart.
Meanwhile, further midfield reinforcements are thought to be on United’s wishlist amid growing uncertainty surrounding Manuel Ugarte’s future at the club. The Uruguayan has been the subject of exit speculation and could depart for as little as half the £50m United shelled out for him in 2024.
Fernandes has become an increasingly attractive proposition in the summer transfer window, given his absence from Portugal’s World Cup 2026 squad. This gives greater scope to fast-track his departure from West Ham, though he may opt to bide his time and assess whether Real Madrid follow up their reported interest before committing to his next move.
