Tottenham Hotspur are among the clubs interested in West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes this summer, according to David Ornstein.
The 21-year-old is also attracting interest elsewhere in the Premier League, including Manchester United, but Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly keen to strengthen his midfield with the Portuguese international.
If Spurs do secure a deal, Fernandes could offer a profile that has arguably been missing from their midfield in recent seasons.
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Mateus Fernandes Could Transform Tottenham Midfield Options
Fernandes Could Add Balance to Spurs Midfield
If Tottenham move for Fernandes, they would be signing a midfielder capable of contributing effectively on both sides of the ball.
The Portugal international is a modern box-to-box midfielder who combines technical quality in possession with the defensive ability required to succeed in the Premier League.
Despite West Ham’s relegation in 2025/26, he was one of their standout performers, registering seven goal contributions in 36 league appearances.
His numbers further highlight his ability, as Fernandes completed 1,366 passes at an 87.5% success rate, while also recording 103 tackles, 182 ball recoveries and 368 defensive contributions.
He also won 199 duels and completed 213 tackles, placing him seventh among Premier League central midfielders in those metrics, helping to show why he has quickly become one of the division’s most in-demand midfielders.
Why Tottenham Are Targeting Another Midfielder
According to Ornstein, Spurs are also pursuing Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali as De Zerbi looks to rebuild the centre of the pitch.
Tottenham have invested heavily in midfield in recent seasons, with the arrivals of Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, Conor Gallagher and João Palhinha, but injuries, inconsistent performances and a lack of balance have prevented the unit from fully clicking.
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Among Tottenham’s current midfielders, Rodrigo Bentancur posted the highest Premier League pass completion rate in 2025/26 at 85.8%, still below Fernandes’ 87.5%.
While players such as Gallagher, Bergvall and Pape Matar Sarr provide plenty of energy and athleticism, Fernandes would provide a more controlled presence capable of linking defence and attack.
A New-Look Midfield Under De Zerbi?
Tottenham’s midfield could look significantly different by the start of the 2026/27 season.
Yves Bissouma has already departed following the expiry of his contract, while Palhinha has returned to Bayern Munich after his loan spell, with his long-term future still unresolved.
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James Maddison is expected to return to full fitness after recovering from a serious knee injury that ruled him out for most of 2025/26.
Should they complete deals for both Fernandes and Tonali, De Zerbi would suddenly have a midfield with far greater technical control and a stronger balance, aligning with his possession-focused approach as he looks to dominate games.
Signing Fernandes would not only strengthen a key area but also represent another clear statement of intent as Spurs aim to move away from successive 17th-place Premier League finishes.
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