Tottenham Hotspur have signed Portugal midfielder Mateus Fernandes from relegated West Ham United in a deal reportedly worth a club-record 85 million pounds ($113.4 million), the clubs announced Thursday.
Fernandes, 21, joins Spurs after West Ham were relegated from the Premier League. The Portugal international moved to England in 2025 after progressing through Sporting Lisbon’s academy and previously spending time at Southampton.
The midfielder said Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi played a major role in convincing him to make the move across London.
“Spurs is a massive club and the head coach was a key part of why I decided to join,” Fernandes said. “When we spoke, it was very special.”
“We look at football in the same way — going onto the pitch as a strong team, with fight and energy, to try to win every game,” he added.
Fernandes made his senior Portugal debut in April but was not included in coach Roberto Martinez’s World Cup squad.
De Zerbi described Fernandes as a player capable of strengthening Tottenham’s midfield as the club continues rebuilding following a difficult campaign.
“I’ve admired Mateus for a long time because he combines quality on the ball with the intensity and intelligence that are so important in the way we want to play,” De Zerbi said.
“Despite his age, he already has good experience in the Premier League and has shown quality and consistency at this level.”
The Italian added that Fernandes is comfortable under pressure, works hard for the team and has the courage to influence matches in difficult moments.
“I believe this is the ideal environment for him to continue his development, and I’m excited to start working with him,” De Zerbi said.
