Despite weeks of speculation, not to mention plenty of talks between West Ham and Manchester United, a bid is yet to arrive from Old Trafford for Mateus Fernandes.
If you are wondering why – why the Red Devils would devote so much time to holding discussions, negotiating and attempting to hold off rival suitors without submitting an offer – the way Ineos went about things in the summer of 2025 go a long way to explaining their approach in the summer of 2026.
Hammers News reported on Monday that Fernandes is awaiting his dream move to Old Trafford. Tottenham Hotspur attempted to snatch him from under Man United’s nose, but we understand that their interest in the much-coveted Portugal international is not exactly reciprocated.
How would you feel about selling Mateus Fernandes to Tottenham? 👀
It would feel so wrong seeing him in a Spurs shirt 😬
While Spurs, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Arsenal and Liverpool have expressed an interest at various points since their relegation was confirmed, Mateus Fernandes leaving West Ham United for Manchester United appears to be a formality at this stage.
Yet, there has not been a single bid from Old Trafford.
Why? Well, as was demonstrated last summer, when Ineos set about transforming a profligate frontline with the signings of Mateus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, Man United do not tend to make offers these days unless they are pretty certain they will be accepted.
Manchester United’s Mateus Fernandes approach explained as West Ham hold firm
The £62.5 million signing of Cunha was straightforward enough. He had a release clause in his Wolves contract. In the case of Sesko, though, the first and only offer arrived on August 5. Sesko would be unveiled in the north west five days later.
Man United only submitted their initial £66 million proposal to RB Leipzig once the Slovenia international had made it clear that he wanted to join them over rival suitors Newcastle. Man United would go on to sign goalkeeper Senne Lammens on deadline day, again succeeding with their first and only offer.
The Mbeumo was different.
Man United had two bids rejected by Brentford before making it ‘third time lucky’ with a £65 million proposal. That, though, was attributed inside Old Trafford to Brentford’s continual moving of the goalposts.
As reliable United source CC16 explains on X, United ‘will formally bid [for Mateus Fernandes] when there’s a broad agreement’ with West Ham.
To put it simply, the Red Devils will submit what they believe will be a first and only offer once the financials of the deal have been set behind the scenes with the Hammers.
Do not be surprised if, when news finally filters through of an offer from Man United, Fernandes is officially confirmed as a Red Devil soon after.
“United are yet to submit a formal bid for Fernandes,” The Athletic explain today. “Although one is expected.”
Fernandes dreams of Old Trafford as Tottenham approach is rebuffed
How would YOU feel if West Ham sold Fernandes and bought Jordan James?
The Welshman is available for £13m… 🏴
West Ham still hope to bring in around £80 million for a player they signed from Southampton ten months ago for an already-considerable £40 million. That fee has proven to be a sticking point so far.
The Hammers want to extract maximum value – as they are well within their rights to do.
Man United’s stance has been weakened to an extent by rival interest from home and abroad. Though as Fernandes gives Tottenham’s approach the cold shoulder, this may raise hopes at Old Trafford that the initial sum will be closer to the £70 million mark than the £85 million threshold.
“Spurs’ hopes have been ended almost before they started as West Ham’s Fernandes moves closer to Man United,” Hammers News wrote in our most recent update.
“Hammers News can confirm Spurs have indeed contacted West Ham about Fernandes just a month after sending their rivals down. But club sources told us the conversation was a short one – because Fernandes and his camp have already agreed personal terms with Manchester United.
“In fact, it has been stated the move to Old Trafford now looks all but a formality as soon as the Red Devils put together a payment package to West Ham’s liking.
“Especially as Man United, and playing alongside his compatriot, idol and namesake Bruno Fernandes, is the West Ham ace’s clear preference.”
In terms of potential replacements, Ligue 1 outfit Rennes will reportedly sell Jordan James for around £13 million following a superb loan spell at Leicester City. Despite a second successive relegation for the Foxes, Welsh international James scored 11 goals from midfield while claiming the CHampionship’s Young Player of the Year award.
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