Leeds United Weighing Up Move For This Southampton Midfielder: Why They Should Have Him At Elland Road | OneFootball

If a recent report from Portuguese outlet A Bola (as claimed by the Birmingham Mail) is believed to be true, Leeds United are keeping close tabs on midfield prospect Mateus Fernandes, who is facing an uncertain future at St Mary’s following Southampton’s relegation from the Premier League. But they are not alone in the hunt, with Aston Villa also monitoring his situation ahead of a potential summer swoop.

The 21-year-old Portuguese youth international progressed through the academy of his boyhood club Olhanense before joining the esteemed ranks of Sporting CP. Having made strides for their reserves in the third division, Fernandes was eventually handed his senior debut in October 2022.

Impact At St Mary’s

Sporting loaned him out to fellow top-flight outfit Estoril for regular minutes, and his impressive 2023-24 campaign caught the eyes of the Saints scouts. They splashed €15m last summer to secure his services upon their Premier League promotion, and despite finishing rock bottom, the youngster exhibited his mastery in the middle of the park with 3 goals and 6 assists in 42 outings across competitions.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 17: Mateus Fernandes of Southampton is challenged by Michael Keane of Everton during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Everton and Southampton at Goodison Park on September 17, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

A Bola further claimed Southampton’s €35m valuation for their prized asset amid interest from La Liga giants Atletico Madrid. Fernandes would prefer to retain his Premier League status by joining Leeds or Villa, but Will Still is hopeful of having him beyond this month, even though he admitted that ‘there’s noise around him’.

The Southampton boss told BBC Radio Solent (as cited by the Daily Echo).

Leeds United are back again in the top tier of English football by conquering the Championship title under Daniel Farke. They have bolstered their midfield by snapping up Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach, but the pair should occupy the central midfield slots and form a double pivot in their 4-2-3-1 formation.

Why Leeds United Should Step Up The Chase For Fernandes

Yet the German gaffer is still in the hunt for an attacking playmaker to challenge Brenden Aaronson. Although they are in talks with Bilal El Khannouss’ camp over activating his £24.5m release clause, Fernandes could be viewed as an alternative if they fail to land the Leicester City ace.

Meanwhile, they could have them both at Elland Road, with El Khannouss capable of featuring from the left. Fernandes has demonstrated his holding ability, work rate and defensive contribution, also his dribbling, passing, swift footwork and smart one-twos would offer fluidity and pace during attacking transitions. His addition should bolster their survival hopes, and the board must back the manager, who got promoted twice with Norwich City, but failed to take them out of the drop zone on both occasions.