Mateus Fernandes' West Ham exit: 11-goal star can be 'a good replacement' for Nuno | OneFootball

FLW's West Ham fan pundit feels that Martin Adeline would be the perfect replacement for the seemingly outgoing Mateus Fernandes this summer

West Ham are bracing for plenty of player turnover this summer as they prepare for their first Championship campaign since 2022.

The Hammers' 14-year stint in the top flight allowed them to build an expensive squad, meaning that player sales will be necessary to ensure they remain within the fresh financial restraints that they will be under in the second tier. The Athletic reported immediately after their relegation that £150 million must be raised in the summer.

But with those top-flight and European-level players among their roster, there are bound to be certain stars demanding moves away, as they'll believe their level to be a lot higher than the Championship.

Playmaker Mateus Fernades arguably falls under both categories. Despite now having two relegations on his CV in as many years, not many at West Ham, nor at Southampton, pointed the finger at the Portuguese international for their shortcomings.

Additionally, at 21-years-old, he still has plenty of potential and is arguably their most saleable asset, with West Ham slapping an £80 million price tag on the midfielder.

According to the Daily Mail, the Hammers are pursuing a deal for Troyes midfielder Martin Adeline to replace him, following his 11-goal, 13-assist campaign in all competitions, including 10 of each in Ligue 2, to help his side clinch the French second-tier title and promotion into Ligue 1.

West Ham fan pundit endorses move for Martin Adeline this summer

FLW's West Ham fan pundit, Joe Davis, is one of many in the Hammers fanbase who understand the quality that Fernandes has, and will be sad to see him go, as it'll be difficult to replace the 21-year-old with someone of a similar ilk.

But, in Adeline, Davis feels that the Frenchman is the closest thing to him that West Ham will be able to realistically target now that they're in the Championship.

"I've had a little look at Adeline since we got linked with him. As far as Fernandes replacements go, we aren't going to get anyone close to his quality, but from what I've seen, he looks really good," he said.

"He looks to be that deep-lying playmaker that Fernandes is, so I do think he'll be good.

"It's tough remembering that we aren't going to be able to attract the same calibre of player that we used to, but as far as playmakers go for the Championship, he seems quite physical, too, so I think he could be a good replacement. I like the look of him."

While Davis doesn't admit to being a French second-tier guru, he can admit that, from watching little bits and looking at his impressive stats from the past season, Adeline could be someone who could excel in one of the better teams in the Championship, which West Ham will likely be.

Additionally, at just 22, the former French under-20 international has clear room to grow and improve, and perhaps even establish himself in the Premier League at the London Stadium.

"I can't claim to know an insane amount about him, but from what I've seen, he does look really good," he continued.

"He's young, too, so could well follow us back to the Premier League if we go up, so I do quite like it, to be honest."

Martin Adeline could be exactly what West Ham need to replace Mateus Fernandes this summer

Having been the only man to register double-digit goals and assists in Ligue 2 this past season, Adeline would be going into the French top flight as one of the more exciting prospects in 2026/27.

That's why West Ham need to pursue the 22-year-old, as he'd provide top-flight quality for them, while they spend some time in the second tier, which would then put them in a good position to re-adjust to the Premier League as and when they return.

Adeline would be a statement signing for the Hammers at a decent enough price that shouldn't threaten their financial standing, while also giving them scope to make a profit in the future if he progresses as rapidly as he has done this past year at Troyes.

Losing Fernandes will be a blow, as the Portuguese international has been influential in the engine room at the London Stadium this past year, but if Adeline can come in and hit the ground running, it would soften that blow immediately.