Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed the signing of midfielder Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United for a club-record £85million fee.
Spurs have not disclosed the length of the 21-year-old’s contract. Fernandes has one senior cap for Portugal but is not part of the country’s 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.
Tottenham beat competition from Manchester United, who were unwilling to match the guaranteed £85m fee.
Mateus Fernandes had emerged as Spurs’ priority target after Newcastle United rejected an approach for Sandro Tonali. However, Tottenham have since agreed a £100m deal for the Italy international.
Fernandes becomes Tottenham’s fifth signing of the summer as the club continues an ambitious recruitment drive.
Mateus 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.
“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.”
Sporting Director, Johan 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.”
Head Coach, Roberto De Zerbi, 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.”
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