West Ham United announce the arrival of Mateus Fernandes 

West Ham United have finalised the signing of Portuguese midfielder Mateus Fernandes from Southampton in a transfer worth around £42 million.

The 21-year-old joins the Hammers on a five-year contract and is the club’s third most expensive signing behind Sebastien Haller and Max Kilman.

“I’m very happy to be here,” Fernandes said on the completion of his move to East London.

“I’m very excited to play for West Ham. I think it’s a big step for me. It’s a big Club, a massive Club. The project, the stadium, the city, everything. 

“I want to try to play football, enjoy football, not just run and try to score, but try to play good football. 

“I think the most important thing is to try to give everything every day.”

Fernandes impressed for Southampton last season despite the Saints’ relegation, making 46 appearances and contributing three goals along with six assists.

Known for his all-around midfield qualities, he combines defensive discipline with a creative spark in attack.

These attributes made him a key target for West Ham manager Graham Potter, who has been looking to strengthen his options in the centre of the pitch.

West Ham are still targeting more additions in that department and are close to landing Soungoutou Magassa from Monaco, although Eintracht Frankfurt are attempting a late hijack.

Fernandes is in line to make his West Ham debut on Sunday when they visit the City Ground to face off against Nottingham Forest aiming to avoid a fourth straight defeat across all competitions this term.

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