By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
The transfer tug of war between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur for Mateus Fernandes has to be one of the limpest attempts to sign a player I’ve ever seen.
As a West Ham fan, I’ve already accepted the fact that the talented midfielder won’t be a Hammer next season.
And considering we’re no longer in the Premier League, I’m not overly concerned where he ends up.
Therefore, watching clubs trying to sign him has been fascinating because both Spurs and Manchester United are shooting fish in a barrel… and somehow still missing.
Headlines Don’t Match Reality
The latest round of reports this evening had the Standard claiming:
“Man Utd ‘make huge offer’ to beat Tottenham to Fernandes signing.”
Whilst the Metro went with:
“Man Utd make new Mateus Fernandes offer to beat Tottenham to £80m deal.”
Neither are correct.
Both newspapers are quoting transfer journalist Matteo Moretto, who doesn’t actually claim a bid has been made.
Instead, he said:
“Manchester United is back in the chase for Mateus Fernandes.
In the last few hours, there have been new contacts with the player; the Red Devils are willing to improve their contractual offer to convince him to sign.
Manchester United also plans to hold direct talks with West Ham.
Tottenham remains in the race and has pressed hard in recent days, but now United is trying to get ahead.”
Well… that’s quite different, isn’t it?
We’re back to clubs talking to Jorge Mendes, which we already knew.
And when Moretto says United plan to hold talks with West Ham, we’re really back where we started.
The Price Isn’t Complicated
The economics of this deal are about as straightforward as you’ll find in football.
West Ham paid Southampton around £38 million for Fernandes last summer.
There is a 15% sell-on clause, which means the Hammers hierarchy want £80 million-plus to make the deal worthwhile.
Reports suggesting West Ham have to sell Fernandes before June 30 simply aren’t correct.
Pay Up Or Move On
Hearing that Spurs or Manchester United are about to make an offer, or that somebody on their side thinks the asking price is too high, is becoming both boring and irrelevant.
Nobody is forcing either club to buy Mateus Fernandes.
West Ham now have an owner in Daniel Kretinsky who can afford to keep him.
If the buying clubs think there are better players available elsewhere for less money, then go and buy them instead.
The reality is Manchester United were priced out of a move for Elliott Anderson and are now shopping in the sub-£100 million bargain basement.
Rumour has it Tottenham can afford £90 million for Sandro Tonali now that Daniel Levy has gone and their owners have promised to flash the cash.
So perhaps both clubs should cut the Mr Micawber act…
Pay up or move on.
I wish they would stop messing around , put in your best offers 80million plus and whoever bids the most gets the player.
We do not want this dragging on, let’s ship the players out as quick as possible so we can get our players in
Let’s not miss out and panic buy a week before the season starts
How much will he be worth if relegated for a third time?
Time to up the stakes first club to offer £100m will be the winner.