(Credit: Manh Tung - Breaking Media/Imago)

James Murray

Wed 20 May 2026 12:45, UK

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Mateus Fernandes could leave West Ham United for a top Premier League club in a deal worth around £50million. 

That is according to former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider it’s an “amazing endorsement” the midfielder has impressed for both the Hammers and Southampton despite their on-field struggles. 

Fernandes has been linked with a host of Premier League clubs following his standout performances at the London Stadium.

The 21-year-old is expected to leave Nuno Espirito Santo’s side whether they remain in the top flight or not this season.

However, West Ham’s negotiating position will be weakened if they lose their Premier League status as they currently sit third bottom heading into the final game of the campaign. 

Why top Premier League clubs want to sign Mateus Fernandes

Arsenal are the latest club linked with Fernandes as they look to improve their midfield options this summer. 

West Ham signed the Portugal international from Southampton in August 2025 for an initial £38m, with £4m worth of add-ons included in the deal. 

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson discussed Fernandes’s potential value once the transfer window reopens.

“It’s the £40-50m issue again,” said Borson.

“He’s a player that fits into that category. He’s not going to be less than £40m, so where’s he going to go? The Premier League looks most likely. But how many players can these Premier League teams buy?

“Each one of the major clubs in the Premier League are going to buy three or four players, right? We know that. It’s a case of is he within that bracket of let’s say the 25 players that are going to be bought by Premier League clubs for over £40m?

“If so, which of the clubs are going to put him in their priority and feel that he’s good value?” 

Why Fernandes ‘ticks a lot of boxes’ after West Ham performances

Borson insisted one of the top Premier League clubs will make a move to sign Fernandes.

“You can definitely see that transaction happening, especially because of his age, so I believe he’ll stay in England and one of them will buy him,” said Borson. 

“The fee will be between £40-50m. From what I hear, he was very good at Southampton as well, which obviously is an amazing endorsement. 

“They may end up both being relegated, but put that to one side, he’s of the right age, he’s played for two different clubs in the Premier League, he’s impressed at both, so that’s going to tick a lot of boxes for a lot of teams.”