West Ham United signs Mateus Fernandes from Southampton for £40m

West Ham United has signed the talented 21-year-old Portuguese midfielder Mateus Fernandes from Southampton on a five-year contract for a fee reportedly exceeding £40 million. Fernandes, a Portugal U21 international, impressed during his time at Southampton despite the club's relegation and is expected to strengthen West Ham's midfield, which has struggled in the early 2025/26 Premier League season. West Ham manager Graham Potter expressed confidence in Fernandes' maturity, character, and ability to bring a new dimension to the squad. Southampton has been active in the transfer market, signing Finn Azaz and Casper Jander as replacements ahead of Fernandes' departure. Fernandes is excited about joining West Ham, viewing it as a significant step in his career, and aims to contribute creatively and defensively. His arrival comes as West Ham seek to reverse their poor start, including recent Premier League losses and an early Carabao Cup exit.