Portuguese midfielder and Olhão local Mateus Fernandes has completed a move to Tottenham Hotspur after spending last season at West Ham United, who were relegated from the Premier League.
"I'm really excited about this new step in my career. Spurs are a great club and the manager [Italian Roberto De Zerbi] played a crucial role in my decision to join," the Algarve-born midfielder said, as quoted by Tottenham's official media channels.
The club has not disclosed the financial details or the length of Fernandes' contract. However, according to the British press, the transfer is worth £85 million (approximately €99.3 million), making it the most expensive signing in Tottenham's history.
"When we spoke [with De Zerbi], it felt special. We see football in the same way, playing as a strong, hard-working team full of energy, and going into every match to win. I can't wait to get started, meet the supporters, meet everyone at the club and give everything I've got," Fernandes added.
De Zerbi, who took charge of Tottenham in April, was equally complimentary about his new signing, praising Fernandes' "extraordinary technical ability, intelligence and maturity", adding that "despite his young age, he consistently performs at the highest level in demanding, high-pressure environments".
Fernandes began his footballing career in the youth ranks at Olhanense before joining Sporting CP's academy at under-13 level. He progressed through the Lisbon club's youth system and broke into the first team during the 2022/23 season.
He moved to Southampton the following year in a €15 million transfer before joining West Ham last season in a deal worth €44 million. After a single campaign at the London club, Fernandes has now secured a switch to Tottenham in a record-breaking transfer.
Source: Tottenham Hotspur F. C.
