Manchester United’s plans to sign West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes have been complicated by reports that Jose Mourinho has requested Real Madrid pursue the player this summer. The news, reported by Spanish outlet AS, represents a significant setback for Michael Carrick’s side as they seek to bolster their midfield options ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Fernandes, 21, enjoyed a strong campaign for West Ham despite their relegation to the Championship, establishing himself as one of their key performers. West Ham are expected to sell the player for a substantial profit, having signed him from Southampton last year. A fee in the region of €93 million (£80m) is anticipated to be required to secure his services.
United had identified Fernandes as a potential target, particularly with Manuel Ugarte expected to be sold, and alongside other midfield options including Carlos Baleba, Alex Scott, Sandro Tonali, and Aurelien Tchouameni. The club has already secured a deal for Atalanta’s Ederson to replace Casemiro, who departed following the expiration of his contract, but Carrick was keen to add further depth in midfield.
However, United now face competition not only from Arsenal, who are also reportedly preparing a bid, but also from Real Madrid. Mourinho is poised to return to the Bernabeu as manager if Florentino Perez wins the upcoming presidential election, and is already formulating his transfer plans. According to AS, Fernandes is a key component of those plans.
Mourinho is reportedly targeting Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries and Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate as his first two signings, alongside triggering the buy-back clause for Como attacker Nico Paz. Fernandes is viewed as a potential replacement for Eduardo Camavinga, with rumours circulating regarding the Frenchman’s potential departure. Fernandes made 39 appearances for West Ham last season, scoring five goals and providing four assists, demonstrating his growing influence in midfield. This move could significantly alter United’s summer transfer strategy as they search for midfield reinforcements.
