According to Capology, which provides an estimation of players wages, when at Southampton in 2024/25 the Portuguese midfielder was earning a ‘modest’ £20k a week (bonus unknown?) which rose to £60k with a £15k bonus (£75k) when he joined West Ham last summer – a significant increase!
Ironically, relegation has caused those numbers to halve yet still they are higher than the wages he earned in the Premier League whilst a Saints player.
Implications of a big transfer payout are huge for both Man U and Spurs
Our North London rivals and Manchester United are reportedly offering approximately £130k-£140k a week which has turned the player’s head.
Yet, whereas wages are spread across the term of the contract, the transfer fee impacts the buying club’s SCR calculations immediately post 30th June, through amortisation, making any deal harder, given West Ham’s asking price of between £80m-£85m.
United are constrained by a 70% cap under SCR, as they will compete in the Champions League, Tottenham have more wriggle room at an 85% cap, and a lower overall wage bill compared to the Red Devils.
For West Ham, the player’s reduced salary is manageable in the Championship, at least for one season, and with a contract running until 2030 the club has some leverage.
It is still expected that Fernandes will leave the London stadium this summer, yet the interested clubs will need to meet the Hammers valuation. If this doesn’t happen he will remain a West Ham player, and as things stand at present is set to start against Burnley on Sunday 16th August.
I assume the 50% salary reduction is the club’s right under contract, but does not have to be imposed on players they are keen to retain