Jose Mourinho is clear that if he returns to Real Madrid, he wants eleven loyal fighters on the pitch who put the collective good above individual interests and the personal accolades so fashionable in modern football. Of course, he also wants stars and game-changing players. He is not opposed to Florentino Pérez strengthening the squad with elite talent, but he has also drawn up a list of suggestions that includes Mateus Fernandes, the Portuguese midfielder at West Ham, who emerged as one of the Premier League’s standout performers last season despite his side’s relegation.
Many expected the 21-year-old midfielder to earn a place in Portugal’s World Cup squad after the remarkable progress he showed throughout the 2025-26 campaign. However, Roberto Martínez ultimately opted for more experienced alternatives as the reigning UEFA Nations League champions pursue their first World Cup title.
At just 21, Fernandes has attracted attention across Europe, including from the man who could become Real Madrid’s next manager, provided Florentino Pérez wins the club’s presidential elections on Sunday, 7 June. Benfica has already confirmed Pérez’s intention to trigger Mourinho’s release clause, which stands at approximately $17.3 million.
West Ham’s relegation could facilitate a deal for the Portuguese midfielder. Equally important is the clear improvement in relations between Real Madrid and Jorge Mendes, the influential agent who represents Fernandes, Mourinho, and several other high-profile players, including Vitinha, João Neves and Lamine Yamal. While West Ham’s ownership is understandably reluctant to lose its key assets, it also recognises that relegation makes it significantly harder to retain its best players.
Fernandes is also on the radar of Liverpool and Arsenal, with reports in England suggesting that any bidding would begin at around $90 million. He combines energy and competitiveness with excellent vision and a knack for arriving in dangerous attacking positions. In the recently completed Premier League season, he made 36 appearances, scoring three goals and providing four assists.
His greatest strength is his ability to bring structure and purpose to his team’s play while working tirelessly to protect his own penalty area. The influence of Sporting CP’s academy on his development is evident. After a season at Southampton, his move to West Ham elevated him into one of the Premier League’s most promising midfielders in just two campaigns. Mourinho wants him, and Real Madrid are already exploring ways to satisfy the coach’s request.
𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝟏-𝟏 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐇𝐚𝐦
A stoppage-time goal from Georginio Rutter denies West Ham victory after Jarrod Bowen had put the visitors ahead.
Mateus Fernandes won 16 of 18 duels for the Hammers, the most by any player in a Premier League game this season.#BRIWHU pic.twitter.com/467MQ8EzKG
— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) December 7, 2025
Related stories
Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.
