When Real Madrid comes calling, most players pick up on the first ring. Mateus Fernandes, apparently, let it go to voicemail.
The 21-year-old Portuguese midfielder has reportedly indicated a clear preference for Manchester United over Real Madrid as multiple clubs circle following West Ham United’s relegation from the Premier League.
The price tag and the politics
West Ham signed Fernandes from Southampton just last summer for a fee in the range of £38 million to £42 million. One standout season later, even amid the Hammers’ drop to the Championship, the club now values him at roughly £80 million.
A 15% sell-on clause owed to Southampton complicates the math further. West Ham needs to factor that into any deal, which means the actual proceeds from an £80 million sale would be significantly less than the headline number.
