Manchester United and Liverpool are monitoring West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes ahead of the summer transfer window, according to reports from FootballTransfers and CaughtOffside. The 21-year-old, who joined the Hammers for £40 million from Southampton in August 2025, has emerged as a primary target for both clubs following a breakout season in London. Manchester United are understood to be weighing up a combined move for Fernandes and teammate Jarrod Bowen that could reach £94 million, while Liverpool are personalising their interest in the newly capped Portuguese international as part of a wider midfield overhaul.
West Ham’s league status to dictate transfer fee
The financial mechanics of any deal for Fernandes rest heavily on West Ham's Premier League survival. Nuno Espírito Santo’s side currently sit just two points above the relegation zone with four matches remaining, a precarious position that has alerted elite suitors. Reports suggest Fernandes’ contract includes a relegation release clause valued between £30 million and £40 million. Speaking on the Liverpool Echo's coverage of the race, journalist David Lynch noted that players who perform well statistically for relegated sides become significantly easier to sign. Having registered three goals and three assists in 32 appearances this term, Fernandes fits the profile of a high-value acquisition should West Ham drop to the Championship. This would potentially see the Hammers record a loss on the player they signed only a year ago.
Tactical fit and squad transition at United and Liverpool
Both North West giants view Fernandes as a solution to aging or transitioning midfields. At Old Trafford, the Sporting CP academy graduate is seen as a long-term successor to Casemiro, who is expected to depart this summer. The link carries historical weight; Fernandes followed the same path as Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo through the Lisbon ranks, and his recent senior international debut for Portugal against the USA has solidified his standing. Liverpool’s interest, meanwhile, focuses on providing competition and a long-term alternative to Alexis Mac Allister. Former West Ham midfielder Joe Cole, speaking via Goal, labelled the 21-year-old a "wonderful signing" and warned that major clubs are already circling. For United, the acquisition of Fernandes would represent a shift toward younger, more mobile profiles to complement Manuel Ugarte in the engine room.
With West Ham facing critical fixtures to secure their top-flight status, the valuation of Fernandes is expected to be formalised once their final league position is confirmed.