Tottenham signs Mateus Fernandes for club-record £85m
Mateus Fernandes has vowed to give everything to Tottenham after completing his club-record £85m move from relegated rival West Ham.
Fernandes was also a reported target for Manchester United, but the 21 year-old has chosen to join Roberto De Zerbi's side, though the length of contract was not confirmed.
His move surpasses the £65m fee paid for Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth in August 2024, though it has been reported that Spurs have agreed a £100m deal for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali.
Fernandes enjoyed a fine individual campaign despite West Ham's relegation, scoring five goals and registering four assists in 39 appearances in all competitions.
"I'm very excited for this next step. Spurs is a massive club and the head coach was a key part of why I have 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 and win every game.
"I can't wait to get started, to meet the fans, to meet everyone, and give everything for the club."
Fernandes joins a Spurs team that retained its Premier League status on the final day of last season thanks to a 1-0 victory over Everton, which saw West Ham relegated.
His addition will bolster De Zerbi's midfield, and the Spurs boss said that his Premier League experience will be a welcome addition to his team for next 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.
"Mateus is comfortable under pressure, can progress the ball, works hard for the team and has the courage to make things happen in difficult moments.
"I believe this is the ideal environment for him to continue his development."
Fernandes is already Spurs' fifth summer signing as they look to challenge at the right end of the table after back-to-back 17th-place finishes.
Spurs have already completed free transfers for Bournemouth's Marcos Senesi, Liverpool legend Andy Robertson and Burnley goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.
Jan Paul van Hecke has also reunited with De Zerbi having spent time together at Brighton for a reported £52m transfer fee.
