West Ham’s refusal to be labelled a “selling club” is likely to be tested this summer, regardless of which division they find themselves in next season.
It was club co-owner David Sullivan who most notably pushed back against that tag in previous years, insisting the Hammers would not be pressured into offloading their best players.
That message is being tested again with the rise of Matheus Fernandes, the 21-year-old Portuguese midfielder whose breakout season has put half of Europe on alert.
Sullivan’s long-standing stance has always been clear. West Ham will only sell on their terms, at their price and never because bigger clubs come calling.
That philosophy is reflected in the club’s current position on Fernandes, whose valuation has reportedly been set at £80m, almost double what the Hammers paid Southampton less than a year ago.
Despite what one football agent previously told Claret & Hugh — that no club would pay that fee — early indications suggest West Ham believe they can still command a premium price.
Fernandes Interest Growing Across Europe
Fernandes has been one of the standout young midfielders in the league since joining West Ham in August 2025 for a fee rising beyond £40m and has now been nominated for PFA Young Player of the Year.
His blend of technique, physicality and tactical maturity has quickly made him a central figure in West Ham’s midfield and a priority target for elite clubs.
Clubs reportedly interested in Fernandes include Manchester United, who have contacted his agent and are currently considered frontrunners, with Fernandes said to be extremely keen on a move to Old Trafford and eager to play alongside Bruno Fernandes.
Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly compiled extensive scouting reports and made contact with his camp.
Chelsea are monitoring developments closely, while Manchester City are also weighing up a move.
Meanwhile, Arsenal, Aston Villa and Newcastle United are all tracking the situation.
The level of interest is now so high that West Ham privately accept it could become very difficult to keep the player.
Jorge Mendes Factor Could Prove Decisive
Fernandes is represented by Jorge Mendes’ Gestifute agency, one of the most influential groups in world football.
Mendes’ involvement is significant for two reasons.
Manchester United already have strong ties with Gestifute after completing multiple deals involving the agency in recent years, which is viewed as a major advantage in the race for Fernandes.
Reports also suggest Mendes has already been contacted by both Manchester United and PSG regarding Fernandes’ availability.
Given Mendes’ track record of engineering major transfers, his role could prove decisive in shaping Fernandes’ next move.
West Ham’s stance remains firm. They will not be low-balled and will only negotiate from a position of strength.
The Portuguese midfielder remains under contract until June 2030 and has no release clause.
Sullivan’s “not a selling club” stance now looks set for another major examination.
After several high-profile exits in recent years, Fernandes increasingly looks like the next player who may eventually prove impossible to keep.
West Ham can refuse all they like, but they are the very definition of a selling club. Anytime a player rises to the top at West Ham, Money and ambition become the deciding factors for their futures. Money always talks, and West Ham do not have any. Ambition to play at the top and to win trophies is second and West Ham don’t have that either, so players are left with little choice but to satisfy those requirements elsewhere.
Not a selling club, eh? I think we have always been a selling club. When your club is well run like, say, Brentford, Brighton and Bournemouth then there’s not much wrong with being a selling club because they recruit well and sell for big profit. Compare that to West Ham. I rest my case.
If we get 80m take it, very good business