West Ham midfielder emerges as summer 2026 transfer target for Manchester City | OneFootball

Both Manchester City and Manchester United have been reported to be in a transfer battle to sign West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes this summer.

Fernandes, who has emerged as one of West Ham’s most consistent and impactful presences on the pitch in a tough campaign, has reportedly caught Manchester City’s attention since January this year.

West Ham are in a relegation battle, with current odds suggesting a high probability of falling into the Championship. The Hammers are currently 17th in the Premier League table with 32 points in 32 matches.

With 16 defeats and only seven victories so far, West Ham have just six matches remaining in the top-flight to escape ranking in the bottom three, and secure their place in the Premier League for next season.

How has West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes fared this season?

Mateus Fernandes joined West Ham on a five-year contract in August last year from Southampton, and the Sporting CP graduate has been a standout performer, establishing himself as a key midfielder at the London Stadium.

The 21-year-old has netted a commendable four goals and provided three assists, recently receiving a first call-up to the Portugal senior national team and making his debut as a late substitute for Bruno Fernandes in a friendly against the USA.

Manchester arch-rivals’ search for Portuguese replacement

Mateus Fernandes is claimed to be on the transfer list of both Manchester clubs for the upcoming summer, according to a report from Apito Final.

City’s interest comes as part of strategic future planning to bolster midfield, especially uncertainty surrounding 31-year-old Bernardo Silva’s future at the Etihad Stadium, and a belief that the current club captain will depart at the end of the season.

Reports have suggested that Manchester City’s sporting director, Hugo Viana – who is very familiar with the Portuguese market – is keeping track of Fernandes’ progress at West Ham.

As for Manchester United, interest in the Hammers’ breakout star appears to be more internal. Bruno Fernandes has reportedly been following his development, considering their respective past ties to Sporting CP, and is fond of his skills on the pitch.

Mateus Fernandes has also recently stated his admiration for the Red Devils’ captain, describing the 31-year-old as his inspiration and the midfielder he looks up to, according to Portuguese sports newspaper A Bola.

As they prepare for Casemiro’s departure at the end of the season, United will be looking to bring in a young and versatile midfielder like the West Ham star, who has also been to be a potential successor to the Red Devils’ current Portuguese midfield maestro in the future.

Are West Ham willing to part ways with Mateus Fernandes?

Despite their struggles in the ongoing campaign, West Ham are reportedly holding a firm stance on retaining Mateus Fernandes irrespective of how the season ends for them.

Even though the threat of relegation is knocking on the door, the Hammers are not ready to part ways with their rising midfielder, with his long-term contract running until 2030, further solidifying the club’s position.

With strong interest from two of the Premier League’s biggest clubs, it remains to be seen if West Ham are able to maintain their stance on Mateus Fernandes as the summer transfer window approaches.