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Manchester United’s summer transfer plans just took a hit. The club’s pursuit of West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, once considered a near-certainty, has stalled as Tottenham Hotspur has emerged as the frontrunner to sign the 21-year-old Portuguese talent.
Tottenham is reportedly in advanced talks with West Ham and is increasingly confident of completing the deal. West Ham values Fernandes at £80-85 million, more than double the £38 million they paid for him just last summer.
How Tottenham leapfrogged United
United had been doing the groundwork. The club conducted scouting, performed due diligence, and was reportedly preparing an opening bid before Tottenham entered the picture.
Tottenham’s willingness to meet West Ham’s valuation appears to be the decisive factor. The North London club has also reportedly made progress on personal terms with Fernandes, which has further cemented their position at the front of the queue.
For United, the timing is particularly frustrating. The club had identified Fernandes as a priority target following his impressive performances in West Ham’s midfield during the second half of the 2025-26 season.
Not everyone is convinced
Not all voices in the United orbit are mourning the potential loss. Former Manchester United striker Teddy Sheringham has publicly expressed skepticism about Fernandes’ abilities, suggesting the club might actually benefit from looking elsewhere. Sheringham indicated he wasn’t particularly impressed by Fernandes’ performances last season.
It’s worth noting that no formal bids or agreements have been confirmed by either Tottenham or West Ham as of late June 2026. Advanced talks are not the same as a done deal, and plenty of transfers that seemed inevitable have collapsed at the finish line. But the momentum clearly favors Tottenham at this stage.
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