Tottenham Hotspur have been granted permission to conduct a medical on Mateus Fernandes ahead of a club-record transfer, with the deal set at a fixed £85 million fee. The move comes as new manager Roberto De Zerbi looks to overhaul the squad following two consecutive seasons finishing 17th in the Premier League, narrowly avoiding relegation last term.
Spurs secured Fernandes after Manchester United were unwilling to match West Ham’s demands, opting for a bid comprised of a £70 million downpayment and £15 million in add-ons. According to Fabrizio Romano, West Ham preferred a guaranteed £85 million, a condition Tottenham were able to meet. De Zerbi was reportedly a key driver in securing the Portuguese midfielder, pushing strongly for his arrival.
Fernandes joins a growing list of new arrivals at Tottenham this summer, with Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, and Jan Paul van Hecke already signed. The substantial investment signals a clear intent from the club’s owners to rebuild and compete at a higher level. The midfielder’s arrival will significantly bolster Tottenham’s options in the centre of the park.
While Fernandes’ transfer fee establishes a new club record for Tottenham, it may be short-lived, as the club is also heavily pursuing Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United. Spurs have reportedly opened bidding at £75 million, and are prepared to increase their offer to match Newcastle’s £100 million valuation. Reports suggest a six-year contract with substantial wages has been agreed with Tonali, with the deal described as being “two steps away” from completion. Manchester City are also interested in Tonali, with a potential bid of €110 million (£95m) being prepared, but Tottenham currently lead the race for the Italian international.
