By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X).
Transfer ITK Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on West Ham United’s increasingly robust stance regarding the sale of midfielder Mateus Fernandes.
The transfer insider was speaking on one of his social media video updates when he discussed the growing interest in the Hammers midfielder and detailed which clubs are currently tracking the 21-year-old.
More significantly, Romano also revealed West Ham’s latest valuation and the club’s determination to hold firm.
That stance appears only to have strengthened following the emergence of Daniel Kretinsky as the dominant force at the football club, with the Czech billionaire seemingly determined that West Ham will only sell players for maximum value.
Romano Reveals Fernandes Valuation
Speaking last night, Romano said:
“I can tell you something about West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes. There are a lot of clubs interested in him.
“Many clubs in England, Real Madrid in Spain, and there are more.
“I can guarantee you two things.
“Number one, Manchester United are in direct conversations with the agents of Mateus Fernandes.
“Over the last 48 hours, Manchester United made contact with the agents of the player and discussed the cost of the deal.
“And the next bit is important information for all the clubs interested in Fernandes, because from my information, West Ham will demand a transfer fee of £85 million.
“He will leave the club for sure because he is not a player for the Championship, but from West Ham, the price is clear, £85 million.”
West Ham Hold Strong Position
The fact that Manchester United, and no doubt other clubs, have been in dialogue with Fernandes’ agent Jorge Mendes should not come as a surprise.
Interest in the Portuguese midfielder has been growing for months and the list of potential suitors continues to expand.
What is becoming increasingly clear, however, is that West Ham believe they are in a strong position to demand top dollar. With interest coming from across Europe and the Premier League, the club clearly feel there is no need to rush into a deal.
Only a few days ago, West Ham’s valuation was widely reported to be around £80 million.
Now, if Romano’s information is correct, that figure has climbed to £85 million.
Whether that reflects a strengthening financial position under the incoming Kretinsky regime remains to be seen, but there is little doubt that West Ham are showing far greater resolve than many expected.
He’s worth every penny of that and probably more if you remember how much Kudus fetched or how much Man City were willing to part with for Paqueta. In a short space of time Fernandes has demonstrated that he is several times better a player than Paqueta, any sale under that £85-90m mark is laughable even as a relegated club. He isn’t on particularly mega wages and possibly on a wage cut clause so wont be costing much to keep. okay we need sales to plug gaps but we have others that can also fill part of those gaps.
He will be sold, but the club should be up front about it and call the shots, rather than pretending that we don’t wish to sell like in past.