Manchester United failed to secure the signing of Mateus Fernandes after a breakdown in negotiations over guaranteed payments, with the player ultimately joining Tottenham Hotspur for a club-record fee of £85 million. The Athletic reports that United were prepared to offer £80 million plus £5 million in add-ons, but Tottenham’s offer of a fully guaranteed £85 million proved decisive.
According to sources at The Athletic, Fernandes had been identified as United’s priority midfield target after it became clear that Elliot Anderson would cost in excess of £100 million and was likely to join Manchester City. Despite making him their top priority, United’s reluctance to fully guarantee the fee allowed Tottenham to swoop in and secure the deal.
Athletic reporter Laurie Whitwell stated on social media that United’s offer of £80 million plus £5 million was contingent on certain conditions being met, but Tottenham’s guaranteed fee and higher wages ultimately swayed the player’s decision. This represents a significant setback for United as they seek to bolster their midfield options this summer.
United had already secured the signing of Ederson and were intending to add two more midfielders to their squad. However, their pursuit of Fernandes has ended in disappointment, and they are now turning their attention to alternative targets, including Alex Scott and Aurelien Tchouameni. Recent reports from the BBC indicate that Bournemouth are unwilling to consider any offers for Scott this summer, aiming instead to tie him down to a new contract with a release clause.
Tchouameni also appears unlikely to be available, with sources close to Real Madrid stating that the player does not wish to leave and the club’s new manager, Jose Mourinho, has no intention of selling him. This leaves United facing a challenging task in strengthening their midfield before the start of the new season. The failure to secure Fernandes highlights the competitive nature of the transfer market and the importance of meeting a player’s and selling club’s demands.
