Mateus Fernandes sends ‘I’ll miss you’ message after Southampton exit announced
Mateus Fernandes sent a heartfelt message on social media after the announcement of a departure from Southampton.
There was very little for Saints fans to enjoy last season as they went through three managers and were relegated earlier than any team has been in Premier League history.
But amidst the doom and gloom, there were two silver linings. Southampton avoided equalling, or worse, breaking Derby County’s record low Premier League points total, and Fernandes’ performances.
The vivacious Fernandes was a joy to watch each and every time he adorned the famous red and white stripes.
But as a consequence of being one of the few players to finish the season with their reputation still intact, the race for 20-year-old’s signature is well and truly underway.
However, Fernandes is not the only youngster seemingly on his way out of St. Mary’s this summer. Tyler Dibling is linked with a move to Crystal Palace, and another young talent has already agreed a deal to leave.
Juan Larios heading to Cultural Leonesa on loan
Juan Larios joined Southampton from Man City in 2022, but has appeared just six times for the South Coast side in an injury-hit spell.
The Spaniard is heading back to his home nation on loan and the defender shared a message to fans of his new side on Instagram in which he detailed how “excited” he was to start his “adventure” with the second division side.
Fernandes responded to his now departed teammate by saying: “Come on bro I’ll miss you” with three love-heart emojis.
Dibling and former City academy teammate Shea Charles also liked the post.
Mateus Fernandes has plenty of suitors ahead of mooted Saints exit
Football Insider Verdict
Pete O’Rourke revealed to Football Insider exclusively that Aston Villa, Leeds and West Ham are all keen on signing Fernandes.
With plenty of options on the table, the Portuguese midfielder must choose wisely on where to head next.
Fernandes was used in a variety of midfield positions by Southampton’s various managers last season, but truly shone when pushed high near the striker.
Villa play in a 4-2-3-1 that would suit the ex-Sporting CP ace’s skillset, but he would need to beat out established stars like Morgan Rogers for the position.
West Ham are an interesting option, particularly given Lucas Paqueta’s poor form and uncertain future, but Graham Potter favoured more defensive options in the centre of the park at the back end of last season.
Which leads us to Leeds. Daniel Farke sets his team up in an attacking fashion and with plenty of cash set to be spent this summer, Fernandes would be joining an exciting team, but once again, he would likely find himself in another relegation battle, which may not appeal.