Ruben Amorim lauded praise upon Manchester United transfer target Mateus Fernandes before he joined Southampton in 2024. The midfielder moved from Sporting CP to the Saints but could not prevent their relegation to the Championship.
Fernandes then jumped straight back up to the Premier League after signing for West Ham for a fee of £38million plus £4m in add-ons. Now, the Hammers have dropped down to the second tie and the Portuguese star is planning another move to the top flight.
West Ham have placed an £80m price tag on the talented midfielder with both United and Arsenal keen on his signature. The 21-year-old received praise from a former figure at Old Trafford while he was still plying his trade at Sporting CP.
Amorim agreed to the sale of Fernandes to Southampton in 2024 and admitted he was sad to see the young midfielder go. He told A Bola: “What we lost is a player. A young man with a lot of value who, in my opinion, has the characteristics to be a great player.
“But choices were made. And then, obviously, we do everything together. We really wanted to keep Mateus. And, honestly, I think Mateus would have liked to stay, despite it being a big contract and a big league. It was a difficult time for everyone.”
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This effusive praise from Amorim showcases the talent Michael Carrick could be recruiting in Fernandes this summer. United’s main priority this window is bulking up their midfield following Casemiro’s departure.
Other low-ranking stars are set to depart, with Manuel Ugarte reportedly allowed to leave on loan or permanently due to a difficult spell in Manchester.
View 2 ImagesThe young midfielder could be on the move this summer(Image: Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo remain as Carrick’s main shining stars in the midfield but Carrick is desperate for reinforcement due to the extra demands of Champions League football.
The Red Devils are understood to be closing in on Atalanta star Ederson but still want a statement signing such as Elliot Anderson, Aurelian Tchouameni or Sandro Tonali. Fernandes made his senior debut for Portugal earlier this year but missed out on the World Cup squad, giving United an opportunity to sort a deal during the major tournament.
Any deal for Fernandes will be a huge boost for Southampton. The Saints have a 15% sell-on clause from any transfer fee, meaning they could bank £12m if the midfielder does go for at least £80m.
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