According to a report by Football Insider, Mateus Fernandes may remain in the Premier League beyond the summer transfer window. Aston Villa, Leeds United, and West Ham United are vying for the Southampton midfielder’s signature. The Saints are demanding around £25 million to part ways with the Portuguese playmaking prospect.
Mateus Fernandes has been one of the standout performers since joining Southampton from Sporting CP last summer. A native of Olhao, the young playmaker spent his formative years in his homeland, starting his youth career at SC Olhanense before graduating from the fabled academy at Sporting CP.
The 20-year-old has been a rare bright spot in a horrendous 2024/25 campaign for Southampton while being a mainstay in the middle of the park. Fernandes has chipped in with three goals and five assists in 41 appearances across all competitions. Meanwhile, the player’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several Premier League clubs, including Aston Villa, West Ham United, and the incoming Leeds United.
Aston Villa will dip into the market for a versatile creator amid uncertainties surrounding the long-term futures of Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio. While Fernandes will not be a like-for-like replacement, Morgan Rogers can move to the flanks to accommodate him. So, the Portuguese playmaker is a viable target for Aston Villa.
Meanwhile, Leeds United’s interest in Mateus Fernandes is understandable. While Ao Tanaka and Ilia Gruev have been impressive, the Southampton playmaker has Premier League experience and can challenge the duo to be the first-choice central midfielder. The youngster can also reprise the no. 10 role, making him an appealing target.
As for West Ham United, Lucas Paqueta’s long-term future is uncertain ahead of the impending results of his betting scandal. So, several candidates, including Hamed Traore, have emerged on the East London club’s radar. However, Fernandes is also a viable target for West Ham.
Meanwhile, Southampton will demand £25 million to part ways with the 20-year-old Portuguese playmaker. The relegated club’s asking price makes him an appealing target for Aston Villa, Leeds United, and West Ham United, and it will not be surprising to see him join one of these clubs.
