Liverpool are preparing to make a big change in midfield this summer after a below-expectations 2025/26 season that ended up costing Arne Slot his job. One of the names in focus is Mateus Fernandes, a Portugal international midfielder playing for West Ham.
According to English publication TEAMtalk, the 21-year-old has been given the green light to leave this summer following West Ham's relegation to the Championship. Manchester United will be at the forefront of the race, while Liverpool is closely following the process and considering moving forward with a proposal.
Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain are also on the list of interested parties, as is Manchester City. Mateus Fernandes has a long-term contract at West Ham (no release clause) after arriving in August 2025 from Southampton for around £38 million plus variables. Trained at Sporting, the midfielder gained status over the last season.
The Londoners intend to raise more than 80 million pounds (approx. 92.5 M€; 108 M$), although the first offers should start in the order of 60 million pounds (approx. 69 M€; 81 M$) plus target bonuses.
Dynamic, right-handed and with a strong range of action, Mateus Fernandes stood out as the main asset of West Ham's midfield, combining work without the ball with progressive driving and production in the final third. Despite relegation, he added goals and assists and recently debuted for Portugal's A team. Faced with the need to generate revenue after relegation, the London club is receptive to the sale and hopes to trigger an auction between Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal and PSG.