Mateus Fernandes could go on strike to engineer West Ham transfer
Mateus Fernandes may have to take drastic steps to leave West Ham United in the upcoming transfer window.
The Hammers signed the 21-year-old for £38million last summer, but it would be surprising to see him stick around in the Championship.
With the Irons relegated from the Premier League, there will certainly be plenty of players in the squad who will be looking for a way out.
Fernandes was arguably one of the few shining lights under Nuno Espirito Santo at the London Stadium and the Portugal international will undoubtedly feel he should be playing top-flight football next season.
The midfielder is one of the few highly valued sellable assets at the East London club, but he may have to force the exit doors open in E20.
West Ham set Mateus Fernandes transfer fee
Fernandes is valued at £80m by the Hammers amid interest from Manchester United.
The Irons have every intention to hold out for their demands as they look to raise funds after failing to survive the drop in the 2025-26 campaign.
As things stand, the East London outfit are looking to make a significant profit off of the midfielder's sale, with Southampton holding a 15 per cent sell-on fee.
According to The Athletic on 4 June, no approaches have been made so far at the London Stadium for Fernandes, who doesn't have a release clause in his contract.
London Stadium hierarchy playing with fire after Mateus Fernandes decision
Football Insider transfer correspondent Pete O'Rourke believes it will be "impossible" for West Ham to keep Fernandes after going down.
If the Hammers truly believe the midfielder is worth £80m, it's foolish of them to expect him to play in the Championship without making any fuss.
There could potentially be a long-drawn-out saga involving the Portuguese ace at the London Stadium in the coming months, as he may go on strike if he isn't allowed to leave.
While Fernandes has a contract until 2030 at the East London club, their relegation arguably puts the negotiating team at a disadvantage during discussions for the midfielder's exit.