Updated: 24 Apr 2026 13:01 BST |
5 min read
Manchester United target Mateus Fernandes has already held talks with Paris Saint-Germain ahead of a possible summer move, but an Old Trafford switch would be favourable for the 21-year-old.
The Portugal international, who earned his first senior cap last month, has enjoyed a brilliant debut campaign at West Ham United and he is being closely monitored by a number of top European clubs amid the threat of relegation.
Fernandes departed Southampton last summer following their relegation to the Championship and, given his form this year, it’s highly likely that he would follow a similar path if West Ham suffer the same fate as the Saints.
He still has four years remaining on his current contract at the London Stadium, but he has emerged as a potential replacement for Casemiro at Man Utd ahead of this summer.
The Red Devils are actively searching for two new central midfielders as they prepare for Casemiro’s imminent departure on a Bosman deal, and Fernandes has been earmarked as a possible alternative to top target Elliot Anderson, who is currently expected to join arch-rivals Manchester City.
The likes of Sandro Tonali, Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba, Alex Scott and Joao Gomes have also been linked with a Man Utd switch in recent weeks, although Fernandes has been sounded out as a viable option due to his excellent form for West Ham this term.
The 21-year-old has four goals and three assists in 33 appearances across all competitions for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side so far this season, and he has started their last 24 Premier League matches.
However, Man Utd aren’t the only club eager to secure his signature.
PSG want Mateus Fernandes
According to reliable French outlet Foot Mercato, PSG have already established contact with Fernandes’ representatives ahead of this summer as they look to secure the signing of another Portuguese star following the successes of Vitinha, Joao Neves and Nuno Mendes.
A deal has not yet been finalised, but it’s understood that PSG have firmly joined Man Utd in the race to land Fernandes amid their pursuit of additional midfield reinforcements ahead of next season.
PSG already have a stacked midfield roster that includes the aforementioned Vitinha and Neves, in addition to Fabian Ruiz and Warren Zaire-Emery, however they have been impressed by Fernandes’ form this term and are keen to bring him to the Parc des Princes this summer.
Mateus Fernandes should join Man Utd
Despite PSG’s interest, data analytics experts SciSports believe that Fernandes would be better served completing a move to Man Utd this summer.
The Red Devils ranks as his second-best destination in world football via SciSports’ Career Advice tool, behind only Juventus, while PSG languish down in 89th place – largely thanks to the lack of game time he would likely be given due to the aforementioned competition for places.
Furthermore, Man Utd will likely have the finances to fund a move for Fernandes, given the wages they will save thanks to Casemiro’s exit, and accelerating their pursuit of his signature would therefore be wise amid news that PSG have already initiated contact.
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