Manchester United's search for a new midfielder has suffered a major setback, with Mateus Fernandes now expected to join Tottenham Hotspur instead. According to the latest reports, Spurs are closing in on a club-record deal for the Portugal international after beating several European heavyweights to his signature.
Spurs Win the Race for Fernandes
Tottenham have moved ahead of Manchester United and Real Madrid in the pursuit of the highly rated 21-year-old midfielder, who enjoyed a breakout campaign with West Ham United.
Fernandes made 42 appearances in all competitions last season, contributing five goals and five assists while establishing himself as one of the Premier League's brightest young talents.
According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, the Portuguese international is expected to undergo a medical in the coming days before completing his move to north London.
United Forced to Look Elsewhere
Strengthening the midfield had become one of Manchester United's biggest priorities this summer.
The club lost Casemiro after his contract expired, while Manuel Ugarte suffered a serious knee injury, leaving United short of options in the centre of the pitch. Fernandes had emerged as one of the club's preferred targets, but they now appear set to miss out.
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The Red Devils will have to turn their attention to alternative candidates before the transfer window closes.
Record Fee for Tottenham
Reports in England suggest Tottenham will pay around £85 million for Fernandes, making him the most expensive signing in the club's history.
The transfer continues an aggressive summer rebuild under Roberto De Zerbi, following a hugely disappointing campaign that ended with Spurs finishing 17th in the Premier League.
The London club have already strengthened their squad with the arrivals of players like Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke with Fernandes set to become the headline addition.
A New Era at Spurs
Once the deal is completed, Fernandes will join Tottenham's pre-season preparations as De Zerbi looks to reshape the squad ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
For Manchester United, however, the focus now shifts to finding another midfielder capable of filling the void left by recent departures and injuries.