West Ham United are reportedly interested in signing 21-year-old Southampton midfielder Mateus Fernandes in the summer transfer window.

According to a report by Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, West Ham United have reignited talks to sign Mateus Fernandes from Championship club Southampton, and he is keen on the move.

Fernandes will cost £40 million this summer, and it remains to be seen whether West Ham are prepared to pay up. They need more quality and depth in midfield, and Fernandes would be a solid long-term acquisition. The Southampton midfielder is young enough to improve further, and he could develop into a key player for the club in the future.

Meanwhile, the £40 million asking price seems quite expensive for a player of his current quality, but he has the potential to grow and might justify the investment in time. Meanwhile, West Ham have already failed with a bid to sign the Portuguese midfield prospect.

West Ham endured a disappointing 2024/25 campaign, finishing close to the relegation zone. A club of their status should be pushing for a top-half finish, and it will be interesting to see if they can bring in the necessary reinforcements over the next few days.

Mateus Fernandes has shown his ability in the Premier League with Southampton, and the opportunity to return to the top flight will be very exciting for him. It is no surprise that he wants to join West Ham.

Regular football in the Premier League will accelerate his development and help him fulfil his potential. Graham Potter has done well to groom young players throughout his managerial career, and he could play a vital role in Fernandes’s development.

West Ham need someone like Fernandes

West Ham have already sanctioned the departure of Mohammed Kudus earlier this summer, and they need to strengthen their squad before the window closes. The Hammers require more creativity and control in midfield, and Fernandes would be a superb signing. He can operate as a central midfielder as well as an advanced playmaker.

It remains to be seen whether the 21-year-old Portuguese midfielder can secure the move to the London club and establish himself as a key player for them. West Ham need to improve their attacking unit and defence as well. It remains to be seen whether they can bring in the necessary additions.