Mateus Fernandes has officially been confirmed as a new Tottenham Hotspur player, with an announcement video coming from former Tottenham player Sandro.
The 21-year-old Portugal international midfielder joins from West Ham United for a reported fee of £85m, which has smashed the club's transfer record of £65m paid for Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth in August 2024.
Mateus 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."
A product of Sporting CP’s academy, he joined Southampton at the age of 20. Mateus ranked in the top 10 for duels won (208) across his 36 appearances in the Premier League. A year later, the Portuguese international joined London rivals West Ham adding another 36 appearances to his tally.
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."
The Italian Head Coach has been given the keys to rebuild Tottenham following securing Premier League survival, and Mateus is seen as a key player in that rebuild.
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."
