West Ham target 20 g/a star to replace Mateus Fernandes | OneFootball

West Ham are lining up a replacement for Mateus Fernandes following their agreement with Spurs

West Ham have agreed a deal with Tottenham Hotspur for the sale of Mateus Fernandes following their relegation.

The midfielder was the subject of an intense transfer tussle between Spurs and Manchester United.

But it was reported on Tuesday evening that the North London outfit have agreed a deal worth £85 million for the talented Portuguese midfielder, who made a strong impression at the London Stadium despite his side's eventual relegation.

Fernandes joined West Ham last summer from Southampton, and he proved a key part of Nuno Espirito Santo’s side as the Irons finished 18th in the Premier League.

The 21-year-old contributed three goals and four assists from 36 appearances in the league, but it wasn’t enough to keep the club in the top flight.

This could just be the start of an exodus of first team talent at the London Stadium, with the likes of Crysencio Summerville and Jarrod Bowen both being linked with exits.

West Ham target Mateus Fernandes replacement

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It has been reported by The West Ham Way that the Championship side are targeting a move for Martin Adeline following the agreement to sell Fernandes.

The 22-year-old was a key figure in helping Troyes win promotion to Ligue 1 last season, contributing 10 goals and 10 assists from 32 league appearances.

However, the Hammers will face competition from French rivals Lens and Lorient in the race for his signature.

The playmaker’s contract is set to expire in June 2027, meaning this will be Troyes’ last opportunity to earn a significant fee from his sale, or else risk losing him for nothing in 12 months.

German side Hamburg are also interested in a deal for the Frenchman, who came through the academy at Reims before signing for Troyes in 2024.

It’s believed that West Ham will push for his signature once the deal for Fernandes is concluded, and it is separate to the imminent arrival of Nils Koppen as sporting director.

How West Ham fans feel about Martin Adeline interest

West Ham have been urged by supporters to get this deal done quickly before the money even comes in for the sale of Fernandes.

Supporters are encouraged by the size of the sale of the 21-year-old, and believe Adeline could be a smart way to replace him in the squad.

And some fans are even intrigued by the slightly different profile between Fernandes and the Troyes star, who typically plays in a more advanced position, indicating a potential change in style by Espírito Santo.

West Ham will begin the new season with a trip to face Burnley on 16 August.

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Martin Adeline signing has a lot of promise for West Ham

West Ham are receiving a major windfall from the Fernandes deal, and they must spend it wisely as their failure to do much with the money from Declan Rice’s move to Arsenal put them on the path to relegation.

A deal for Adeline would be a smart start, as he had a fantastic season in Ligue 2, and could be an ideal replacement for Fernandes.

Competition from Lens and Lorient could pose an issue, as it’s unclear whether he wants to leave France, and the former are also competing in the Champions League next season.

However, the Hammers will have the benefit of the huge resources at their disposal, despite now being in the Championship, which could swing a deal in their favour.