Tottenham confirm £85m signing of Mateus Fernandes from West Ham

Tottenham Hotspur have officially completed the signing of West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes in a historical deal worth £85 million.

Fernandes arrives in Tottenham as the club’s new record signing, though he might have to relinquish that title in the next few days. Spurs are looking at breaking that record by bringing in Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United.

Speaking on his move, the 21-year-old expressed his delight to Spurs’ official website: “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. 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.”

The arrival of the Portuguese midfielder has been met with significant praise from the Spurs leadership.

Mateus Fernandes  applauds the fans after the Premier League match between West Ham United and Leeds United. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Head coach Roberto De Zerbi noted that Fernandes’ quality will help the team, adding that the Portuguese has shown he can play at the highest level.

De Zerbi added: “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.”

Fernandes currently stands as the most expensive acquisition in the Tottenham’s history, eclipsing the £65m paid for Dominic Solanke.

However, Spurs are reportedly closing in on a blockbuster deal for Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali. The North London club has reportedly reached an agreement to sign the former AC Milan star in a deal worth a potential £100 million.