Football Transfer News | Tottenham sign Mateus Fernandes

Tottenham are showing some intent in the transfer market

They have completed the signing of midfielder Mateus Fernandes from West Ham for a club record fee of £85m.

Author | Greg S

Spurs have not disclosed the length of the 21-year-old's contract. Fernandes has one senior cap for Portugal but was not included in their World Cup squad.

The midfielder has spent the past two seasons in the Premier League with Southampton and West Ham, although both clubs were relegated to the Championship during his time there.

Reaction from the Tottenham head coach

"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," said Spurs head coach Roberto de Zerbi.

"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."

Is this value for money?

Tottenham fended off competition from Manchester United, who were unwilling to match Spurs' guaranteed £85m offer, which contains no add-ons.

A busy summer for Tottenham after a terrible Premier League campaign

Fernandes emerged as a leading target for the north London club after Newcastle rejected their approach for Sandro Tonali.

Spurs have since agreed a £100m deal for the Italy midfielder.

It has been a busy start to the summer transfer window for Tottenham, with Fernandes becoming their fifth signing.

He joins goalkeeper Martin Dubravka and defenders Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson and Jan Paul van Hecke in moving to north London.

"I'm very excited for this next step," Fernandes said. "Spurs is a massive club and the head coach was a key part of why I have decided to join.

"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 to win every game."