West Ham United announce the arrival of Mateus Fernandes  | OneFootball

West Ham United have finalised the signing of Portuguese midfielder Mateus Fernandes from Southampton in a transfer worth around £42 million.

The 21-year-old joins the Hammers on a five-year contract and is the club’s third most expensive signing behind Sebastien Haller and Max Kilman.

“I’m very happy to be here,” Fernandes said on the completion of his move. “I’m very excited to play for West Ham.

“I think it’s a big step for me. It’s a big club, a massive club. The project, the stadium, the city, everything.

“I want to try to play football, enjoy football, not just run and try to score, but try to play good football.

“I think the most important thing is to try to give everything every day.”

Fernandes impressed for Southampton last season despite their relegation, bagging three goals and six assists in 46 appearances.

Known for his all-around midfield qualities, he combines defensive discipline with a creative spark in attack.

These attributes made him a key target for West Ham manager Graham Potter, who has been looking to strengthen his options in the centre of the pitch.

West Ham are still targeting more additions in that department and are close to signing Soungoutou Magassa from Monaco, although Eintracht Frankfurt are attempting a late hijack.

Fernandes is in line to make his West Ham debut on Sunday when they visit Nottingham Forest. They are aiming to avoid a fourth straight defeat across all competitions this term.