West Ham's Fernandes joins Spurs / Photo: ANDY BUCHANAN - AFP/File
West Ham's Fernandes joins Spurs
West Ham's Portugal midfielder Mateus Fernandes has joined Spurs after the Hammers' relegation from the Premier League, the clubs announced on Thursday.
Fernandes, 21, arrived in London in 2025 and his move across the capital city is worth a reported club record fee of 85 million pounds ($113.4 million).
The one-time international arrives as Roberto de Zerbi attempts to re-build a Spurs squad who narrowly avoided dropping to the Championship last season.
"Spurs is a massive club and the head coach was a key part of why I have decided to join," Fernandes said.
"When we spoke, it was very special.
"We look at football in the same way - going onto the pitch as a strong team, with fight and energy, to try and win every game," he added.
Fernandes moved to England firstly with Southampton two years ago having come through the Sporting Lisbon academy.
He made his international debut in April but failed to make Roberto Martinez' World Cup squad.
"I've admired Mateus for a long time because he combines quality on the ball with the intensity and intelligence that are so important in the way we want to play," De Zerbi said.
"Despite his age, he already has good experience in the Premier League and has shown quality and consistency at this level.
"Mateus is comfortable under pressure, can progress the ball, works hard for the team and has the courage to make things happen in difficult moments.
"I believe this is the ideal environment for him to continue his development and I'm excited to start working with him," the Italian added.
A.dCosmo--PV
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