Southampton will reportedly demand around €35 million to sell 20-year-old Portuguese midfielder Mateus Fernandes amid his links with Crystal Palace and Leeds United.

According to a report by A Bola, as relayed by Sport Witness, Crystal Palace and Leeds United are interested in signing Mateus Fernandes in the summer transfer window. The Southampton midfielder’s suitors now know his price, with the Saints demanding around €35 million to part ways with the Portuguese midfield prospect.

Mateus Fernandes and his short English journey so far

Mateus Fernandes has come leaps and bounds since joining Southampton from Sporting CP last summer. While the Saints were dreadful in the 2024/25 season and finished at the bottom of the Premier League, the Olhao native was a standout performer for the now-relegated club as they returned to the EFL Championship straight away.

The 20-year-old midfielder was not highly productive in the 2024/25 season and chipped in with three goals and six assists in 42 appearances across all competitions for Southampton. However, Fernandes made enough impact to convince several Premier League clubs to pursue his signature in the summer transfer window.

Recent reports have linked the Portuguese midfielder with Aston Villa and West Ham United. However, the report by A Bola has suggested that Crystal Palace, Leeds United, and Nottingham Forest are keen on signing the former Sporting CP prospect from Southampton in the summer transfer window. Meanwhile, the Saints will demand around €35 million to part ways with him.

What next?

Leeds United’s interest in Mateus Fernandes is understandable. The Whites are scouring the market for a midfielder as they plan to prepare for the daunting challenge of remaining in the Premier League. So, several candidates, including Sean Longstaff, have emerged on Leeds United’s radar, with the Southampton whizkid also a viable target.

As for Crystal Palace, the Eagles are in a spot of bother over Adam Wharton’s long-term future. The highly-rated Englishman is a target for several Premier League bigwigs, and a summer exit may be on the cards. So, Crystal Palace must identify a long-term replacement, with Fernandes being an option worth considering.

Southampton’s asking price of €35 million may seem excessive. However, the 20-year-old Portuguese midfield prospect has the potential to justify the outlay in the long run. However, it is unclear whether Crystal Palace, Leeds United, and Nottingham Forest are willing to pay €35 million to sign the Southampton whizkid.