Manchester United are targeting West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes this summer, with the potential sale of Rasmus Hojlund expected to significantly aid their pursuit.
United are looking to bolster their midfield options following the departure of Casemiro and have identified several players, including Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest, though a deal for Anderson is considered too expensive. Renewed interest has also been shown in Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba, both of whom were targets last summer, alongside Aurelien Tchouameni, Alex Scott and Ederson.
Fernandes joined West Ham from Southampton last year and has reportedly impressed United scouts, most recently during West Ham’s match against Arsenal on Sunday. However, West Ham have set an asking price of just under €100 million for the Portugal international, which could prove a stumbling block.
Hojlund’s loan spell at Napoli is set to provide United with a financial boost to overcome this obstacle. The striker arrived at Old Trafford for €79.8 million in 2023 after only one season with Atalanta, but failed to consistently deliver during his two years with the club. Following the signing of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig last summer, Hojlund was loaned to Napoli with an obligation to buy for €44 million should they qualify for the Champions League.
Napoli currently sit second in Serie A and are on the verge of securing Champions League football, meaning they are likely to trigger the obligation to buy Hojlund. This sale will provide Manchester United with a substantial transfer windfall, enabling them to more realistically pursue a deal for Fernandes. The club have already confirmed their intention to complete the permanent signing of Hojlund this summer.
Securing Fernandes would address a key area of need for United, while the Hojlund sale represents a chance to recoup a significant portion of the initial investment in the Danish striker.
