Liverpool get green light for £80m Portugal midfielder deal | OneFootball

Liverpool have been tipped to shake up their midfield options this summer.

The middle sector was identified as a problem position during a poor 2025/26 season - a campaign which ultimately cost Arne Slot his job.

The likes of Curtis Jones, Alexis Mac Allister and Wataru Endo could all be moved on as Richard Hughes considers changes.

Mateus Fernandes wanted by Liverpool

One name reportedly on the radar is West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes. According to a report in TEAMtalk the Reds are among the teams competing for the Portugal international’s signature following relegation from the Premier League.

“Mateus Fernandes has been given the green light to leave West Ham this summer following discussions with the relegated Hammers, and while Manchester United are firmly in the race, Liverpool are closely monitoring the situation and pondering a firm move of their own,” the report reads.

The report adds that Arsenal as well as Paris Saint-Germain are in the hunt for the 21-year-old midfielder - who is under contract with the Irons until 2030.

Although the cash-strapped Hammers would like around £80m for the Sporting CP-trained talent it is likely they would have to settle for less.

“Liverpool are also keeping a close eye on the situation, with the Merseyside giants emerging as ones to watch in the coming weeks,” the report reads.

“West Ham, for their part, are demanding in excess of £80 million (€92.5m, $108m) for their star.

“Initial offers, though, are anticipated to begin around the £60 million mark (€69m, $81m) plus performance-related add-ons.”

Mateus Fernandes: Situation summary

Mateus Fernandes has quickly become West Ham’s standout midfield asset, a dynamic right‑footed Portugal international who blends off‑ball industry with line‑breaking carries and productive final‑third output.

Signed from Southampton in August 2025 for an initial fee of around £38m plus add‑ons, he is tied to a five‑year deal with an option of a further year and no release clause, leaving the Hammers in a strong contractual position.

After a season delivering goals and assists from midfield in a relegated side, and recently breaking into the Portugal senior set‑up, he is viewed as a prime saleable asset.

West Ham, needing to generate significant funds after dropping into the Championship, are open to a sale and hope for a bidding war, with Manchester United at the front of a queue that also includes Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal and Paris Saint‑Germain.