Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of Portuguese midfielder Mateus Fernandes from West Ham in a club-record £85 million deal, marking a significant step in the 22-year-old’s Premier League journey. Fernandes joined Spurs following West Ham’s relegation last season, after previously playing for Southampton, where he earned Player of the Season honours in 2024-25. Despite his personal success, both clubs he played for were relegated during his tenure, a challenge he acknowledges as part of his learning curve.

Fernandes attracted interest from several top clubs, including Manchester United, but ultimately chose Tottenham, influenced heavily by manager Roberto De Zerbi. The midfielder praised De Zerbi’s frequent communication with him and his family, highlighting the personal connection and reassurance they received during the transfer process. Fernandes said the manager promised to take care of him and offered a vision of Tottenham competing at the highest level, a sentiment that played a crucial role in his decision.

Since moving to England, Fernandes has worked to overcome language barriers, initially struggling with English when he first arrived at Southampton. He said the most difficult period was his first season, as he was alone in a foreign country without support in his native Portuguese or Spanish. Rather than traditional classes, he developed his language skills by interacting with teammates and watching TV shows such as Prison Break, aiming to improve both his understanding of accents and ability to communicate effectively with fans and staff.

Fernandes expressed optimism about his future at Tottenham, emphasizing his readiness for this new challenge. While recognizing the difficulties he has faced—including experiencing relegation with two clubs—he views these experiences as valuable lessons off the pitch. He praised De Zerbi’s dedication and professionalism, describing him as a manager who lives and breathes football.

Tottenham officials share a positive outlook on Fernandes’s potential, seeing him as a player who could develop into one of the world’s best midfielders. The club aims to build a competitive squad under De Zerbi, with Fernandes positioned as a key figure in their ambitions to challenge for Premier League honours.