Crystal Palace, Leeds United, and West Ham United reportedly want to sign 21-year-old Portuguese midfielder Mateus Fernandes from Southampton this summer.

According to a report by TEAMtalk, Crystal Palace, Leeds United, and West Ham United are interested in Mateus Fernandes. The three Premier League clubs have initiated their moves by enquiring about the Southampton prospect, with the Saints demanding £20 million to part ways with him in the summer transfer window. Meanwhile, the Portuguese midfielder is holding out for European bigwigs like Atletico Madrid and Juventus.

Mateus Fernandes and his English journey so far

Mateus Fernandes has made considerable progress since joining Southampton from Sporting CP last summer. The 21-year-old was a rare bright spot for the dreadful relegated club, with the Saints finishing at the bottom of the Premier League in the 2024/25 campaign and returning to the EFL Championship.

The Portuguese midfielder has not been as productive as he would have liked, chipping in with three goals and six assists in 42 appearances thus far for Southampton. However, Fernandes’s progress has piqued the attention of several Premier League clubs, including Crystal Palace, Leeds United, and West Ham United.

A man in demand

Crystal Palace will likely dip into the market for a playmaker this summer amid uncertainties surrounding Eberechi Eze’s long-term future. The English international is a target for Arsenal, and recent reports have claimed that he is closing in on joining the North London club. So, Fernandes has emerged as a viable target for Crystal Palace.

Meanwhile, Leeds United’s interest in Mateus Fernandes is understandable. While the Whites have reinforced their midfield unit by signing Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach this summer, Daniel Farke wants more creativity from his midfielders. So, the Southampton playmaker is an option worth considering for Leeds United.

As for West Ham United, Carlos Soler has returned to Paris Saint-Germain after a horrendous loan spell in the 2024/25 season. The Southampton midfielder can be a like-for-like replacement for the Spaniard, making him a viable target for West Ham. Meanwhile, Southampton’s asking price of £20 million makes him an appealing option for the three Premier League clubs.

However, the 21-year-old Portuguese midfielder is holding out for a move to a bigger club amid his links with Atletico Madrid and Juventus. So, while Crystal Palace, Leeds United, and West Ham can afford the asking price of £20 million, a move may not see the light of day.