Adedokun Waliyu 
West Ham United’s Portuguese midfielder, Mateus Fernandes, has completed a move to Tottenham Hotspur following the Hammers’ relegation from the Premier League, with both clubs confirming the transfer.
Fernandes, 21, joined West Ham in 2025 and now moves across London in a deal reportedly worth a club-record £85 million (approximately $113.4 million).
The transfer surpasses Tottenham’s previous record signing, the £52 million they paid RB Leipzig for Dutch forward Xavi Simons last August.
The Portuguese midfielder joins Tottenham as head coach Roberto De Zerbi continues rebuilding a squad that narrowly avoided relegation to the Championship last season.
Speaking after completing the move, Fernandes described Tottenham as a massive club and said De Zerbi played a major role in convincing him to join. He explained that his discussions with the Italian manager were special because they share the same football philosophy, built around teamwork, determination, energy and a desire to win every match.
Fernandes first arrived in England with Southampton after progressing through the Sporting Lisbon academy before making the switch to West Ham. Since moving to English football, he has scored five goals in 72 Premier League appearances.
The Portugal youth international made his senior international debut in April but was not included in Roberto Martinez’s squad for the FIFA World Cup.
Reports also indicated that Manchester United had shown interest in signing the midfielder before Tottenham secured the deal.
De Zerbi expressed his delight at signing Fernandes, describing him as a player he has admired for a long time because of his technical quality, intensity and intelligence. He said the midfielder already possesses valuable Premier League experience despite his young age and has consistently demonstrated his ability at the highest level.
According to the Tottenham manager, Fernandes is comfortable playing under pressure, progresses the ball effectively, works tirelessly for his teammates and has the courage to influence matches during difficult moments. He added that Tottenham provides the ideal environment for the midfielder to continue his development and expressed his excitement about working with him.
Fernandes becomes Tottenham’s fourth confirmed signing of the summer transfer window. The club has also reportedly reached an agreement to sign Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, while goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka and defenders Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson and Jan Paul van Hecke have also joined the squad.
Tottenham will begin their new Premier League campaign on August 22 with an away fixture against Brentford.
