Mateus Fernandes: Man City must accelerate move for West Ham star after Bernardo Silva exit
Mateus Fernandes is unlikely to be a West Ham player for much longer as Manchester City circle for his signature.
Mick Brown told Football Insider that Man City are plotting a move for Fernandes ahead of the summer transfer window, with the midfielder impressing massively despite the Hammers’ relegation battle.
Still in his first season at the London Stadium, the 21-year-old has taken on a leadership role in chaotic circumstances, even notching four goals and three assists in 32 games from the middle of the park.
There is a very real chance that Nuno Espirito Santo’s side could be relegated to the Championship by the end of May, and Man City’s transfer chiefs should be ready to pounce for a bargain if that happens.
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VISIT THE TRANSFER HUBMan City will be desperate for Bernardo Silva’s replacement
Pep Guardiola has an extra incentive to beat other interested clubs to Fernandes’ signature, with the Citizens soon to be without their adored captain, Bernardo Silva, when his contract expires.
The 31-year-old has already issued his goodbyes, with no plans of extending his nine-year stay in Manchester, so City will be absolutely desperate to sign his direct replacement as early as possible.
There are very few players in the world who can bring the same characteristics to the team as Bernardo, but West Ham’s No.18 could certainly be moulded into what Guardiola needs.
| Mateus Fernandes | vs | Bernardo Silva |
| 2484 | Minutes played | 2335 |
| 3 | Goals | 2 |
| 3 | Assists | 4 |
| 32 | Chances created | 35 |
| 36% | Shot accuracy | 50% |
| 0.83 | Successful dribbles per 90 | 0.62 |
| 2.03 | Successful tackles per 90 | 0.62 |
| 0.54 | Possession won in the final third per 90 | 0.58 |
The Hammers’ star even betters the veteran in some areas of the pitch, and at just 21 years of age, Fernandes could be a star for the future at the Etihad Stadium.
Which clubs must be fended off to sign Mateus Fernandes?
Unsurprisingly, the Citizens are not the only club interested in Fernandes’ signature, though Football Insider understands that West Ham have no plans to sell this summer.
Man United are also heavily linked with the talented midfielder, with a Casemiro replacement needed at Old Trafford, while Liverpool are also named in the race.
The Hammers would be massively upset to lose the 21-year-old after just one season at the London Stadium, but it is only a matter of time before the Irons are forced to cash in on him.
He only continues to impress Premier League giants more and more, with European clubs also joining the race ahead of the summer transfer window.
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