Phil Haigh
Published June 9, 2026 5:51pm
Updated June 9, 2026 7:10pm
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Mateus Fernandes looks certain to leave West Ham this summer (Picture: Getty Images)
West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes is being linked with some of the biggest clubs in the world and one of his former coaches reckons Real Madrid could be the ideal place for him.
The 21-year-old has taken an unusual career path so far, starting at Sporting before suffering back-to-back relegations from the Premier League with Southampton and now the Hammers.
The disappointing results have not damaged his reputation, though, and the midfielder is expected to make a big move this summer.
Manchester United are reportedly keen on his signature, as are Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.
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With the size of the clubs in the chasing pack, West Ham have slapped an £80 million price tag on the Portugal international.
Whether anyone will pay that this summer is yet to be seen, but it seems certain that Fernandes will be playing for a Champions League club sooner rather than later.
Vasco Seabra was manager of Estoril when Fernandes played for the Portuguese side for a season on loan from Sporting and reckons returning Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho is the ideal boss for his former player.
Jose Mourinho is returning to manage Real Madrid this summer (Picture: Getty Images)
‘I believe a profile like José Mourinho’s – an expert in communication, leadership and in the way he manages players’ expectations and frustrations – would be beneficial,’ Seabra told Portuguese outlet Renascenca.
‘He pushes players upwards and challenges them to become better. It would be a relationship that could be very beneficial for both.’
Seabra expected big things from Fernandes when he coached him in the 2023/24 season and feels the midfielder has not found his level yet as he continues to improve.
‘Mateus has shown season after season that the higher the level he competes at, the better the response he gives,’ the current Arouca manager said.
Fernandes spent a season on loan at Estoril in2023/24 (Picture: Getty Images)
‘I still don’t really know what level he will eventually stop at or stabilise at.
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‘He seems to be one of those players who, the higher the level, the more value and quality he can add to a team.
‘He has a huge range of abilities. I mean, he has technical quality and he’s a kid with a fantastic heart and mentality.’
Seabra added: ‘I expected he could reach Premier League level in a very short time.
‘He really had a mentality and a daily commitment, both in training and matches, that made me believe he could reach a very high level.’
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