Roberto De Zerbi and Johan Lange have enjoyed an excellent start to the summer transfer window, bolstering the Tottenham Hotspur squad with lots of Premier League-proven players.
Tottenham Hotspur have announced the transfer of Mateus Fernandes from West Ham. The Lilywhites have tied the 21-year-old midfielder down to a long-term contract, making him the fifth signing of the summer.
Spurs faced tough competition from Manchester United, but Johan Lange managed to secure his signature. football.london understands that Tottenham outbid the Red Devils for Fernandes, submitting an offer believed to be worth around £85million.
Manchester United pushed hard to sign the Portugal international but pulled the plug when the finances exceeded their valuation. It’s understood that the Red Devils only want to sign players who are committed to the project at Old Trafford, and Fernandes left the door open to the Lilywhites throughout negotiations.
Upon signing a long-term contract with Spurs, the Portuguese playmaker expressed his delight with the move in an interview with club media. Fernandes said: “I’m very excited for this next step. Spurs is a massive club, and the Head Coach was a key part of why I have decided to join.
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“When we spoke, it was very special. We look at football in the same way – going onto the pitch as a strong team, with fight and energy, to try and win every game. I can’t wait to get started, to meet the fans, to meet everyone, and give everything for the Club.”
Meanwhile, Lange said: “I’m delighted to welcome Mateus to the Club. He is a player with outstanding technical ability, intelligence and maturity, and even at a young age, has shown he can perform consistently in demanding, high-pressure environments.
“We believe this is the right place for Mateus to take the next step in his career, working with our outstanding coaching staff and alongside an ambitious and talented group of players.
“I know our supporters will enjoy watching him, as he has the talent, mentality and work ethic to become a very important player both for the present and the future of Tottenham Hotspur.”
Roberto De Zerbi was just as pleased to welcome Fernandes to Hotspur Way. The Tottenham boss said: “I’ve admired Mateus for a long time because he combines quality on the ball with the intensity and intelligence that are so important in the way we want to play.
“Despite his age, he already has good experience in the Premier League and has shown quality and consistency at this level. Mateus is comfortable under pressure, can progress the ball, works hard for the team and has the courage to make things happen in difficult moments.
“I believe this is the ideal environment for him to continue his development, and I’m excited to start working with him.”
