Real Madrid dealt blow as Tottenham very close to reaching contract agreement with midfield target | OneFootball

Real Madrid are firmly in the market for at least one new midfielder this summer, with incoming manager Jose Mourinho making it one of his priority signings before the start of the new season.

Several names have been touted as potential targets for Los Blancos, with West Ham United ace Mateus Fernandes also on the shortlist.

The Portuguese ace is understood to be one of the players that Mourinho prefers the most, thanks to his age, profile, and versatile nature.

Tottenham moving forward in race

However, in what comes as a bitter blow for Real Madrid, journalist Matteo Moretto reports that Tottenham Hotspur have taken a major step forward in the race to sign Fernandes.

Tottenham-bound? (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Indeed, according to the report, Spurs are very close to reaching an agreement over contractual terms with the Portuguese international.

There have been no official talks between Roberto De Zerbi’s side and West Ham United so far, but Fernandes, for his part, remains very open to the idea of playing for Tottenham.

Apart from Spurs, Manchester United have also expressed a strong interest in signing Fernandes, and have been in talks with the player’s camp as well as his club.

But, it appears like the north London giants, having survived the threat of relegation, are leaving no stone unturned in their bid to improve the squad before next season.

What does this mean for Real Madrid?

Fernandes enjoyed a highly impressive season at West Ham in 2025/26, despite their relegation from the Premier League.

Real Madrid admire Fernandes. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

A dynamic, young midfielder, the 21-year-old Portuguese international has the potential to be an excellent long-term signing not only for Real Madrid, but any club he chooses to sign for.

However, Tottenham seem to have taken the lead over both Los Blancos and Manchester United in the race for his signing.

While the deal might not fully be sealed, Real Madrid must line up alternatives, with Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea being one of the options.

Meanwhile, Rodri of Manchester City also continues to be linked heavily and only time will tell who Mourinho & co. sign.