Man City and Man United register interest in West Ham United star
By 247sportcity | Wednesday, January 21, 2026
STRATFORD, LONDON – As the cold winds of a relegation battle swirl around the London Stadium, West Ham United find themselves facing a familiar and painful Premier League paradox. While the team struggles for survival under Nuno Espírito Santo, one individual has shone so brightly that he has illuminated the scouting reports of the world’s elite.
Mateus Fernandes, the 21-year-old Portuguese midfield sensation, is now the subject of an intense tug-of-war between Manchester City and Manchester United. According to exclusive reports from SportsBoom and corroborated by inner-circle recruitment sources, the two Manchester giants are “closely monitoring” the youngster, ready to pounce on a specific contractual vulnerability that could see the Hammers lose their crown jewel for a cut-price fee.
The ‘Escape Hatch’ Clause: A Financial Time Bomb
The crux of the matter lies in the fine print of Fernandes’ contract. It has been revealed that the deal contains a relegation release clause—a standard protective measure for elite young talents, but a terrifying prospect for a club currently sitting at the wrong end of the table.
The Hammers’ Dilemma:
- The Summer Risk: If West Ham are relegated to the Championship, the release clause is triggered, allowing Fernandes to leave for a fee significantly below his true market value (estimated to be in the region of £60m–£70m).
- The January Pivot: To avoid a financial disaster, the West Ham board is reportedly “open to negotiating” an early exit this month. By selling now, they could command a premium “survival tax” and reinvest the funds immediately into the squad to avoid the drop.
- The Manager’s Stand: For Nuno Espírito Santo, losing Fernandes in January would be a tactical nightmare. The midfielder has started 19 of his 20 appearances this season, serving as the literal engine room of the side.
[Table: Mateus Fernandes — The Statistical Rising Star (2025/26)]
| Metric | Detail | Impact Rating |
| Appearances | 20 (19 Starts) | Essential Starter |
| Age | 21 | High Re-sale/Long-term Project |
| G/A Output | 2 Goals / 2 Assists | Creative Spark in a defensive side |
| Pass Accuracy | 88.4% | Elite Technical Security |
| Release Clause Status | Active on Relegation | High Risk for West Ham |
The Suitability: Why the Manchester Giants are Circling
Manchester City: The ‘Gundogan’ Successor?
For Pep Guardiola, Fernandes represents the archetypal “City Midfielder.” His ability to retain possession under intense pressure and his versatility to play as a #8 or a deep-lying #6 makes him a perfect long-term project. With the City squad looking to get younger in the middle of the park, Fernandes is viewed as a player who can learn the “system” for six months before becoming a regular starter.
Manchester United: The Portuguese Connection
At Old Trafford, the interest is equally high. United have found success with Portuguese imports in the past, and Fernandes’ high-energy, box-to-box style fits the high-pressing demands of the current United coaching staff. United see him as a dynamic partner for Kobbie Mainoo, providing the physical presence and tactical discipline that has occasionally been missing from their midfield pivot this term.
The Nuno Espírito Santo Factor
Nuno is in a “tricky situation,” to say the least. As a manager who prides himself on defensive solidity and quick transitions, Mateus Fernandes is his most important tool. However, Nuno is also a realist. He knows that if West Ham do not cash in now, and then fail to stay up, the club’s financial future could be crippled for years.
Sources suggest Nuno has asked for “two elite replacements” if Fernandes is sold this month—a tall order in a notoriously difficult January market.
[Table: The Relegation Battle — West Ham’s Survival Stakes]
| Factor | Current Reality | If Sold in January |
| League Position | 18th (Relegation Zone) | Potential for massive re-investment |
| Creative Output | Relies heavily on Fernandes | Risk of offensive stagnation |
| Club Finances | Strained by FFP/PSR | £50m+ injection would solve issues |
| Fan Sentiment | “High Tension” | Selling the best player could cause a revolt |
Deep Dive: The Path Ahead
While a January move is being discussed behind closed doors, many experts believe a “delayed” deal is the most likely outcome. Manchester City and Manchester United are both positioned to make their moves, but they may wait to see if West Ham’s “fight for survival” fails.
If the Hammers drop, the “Key Factor” becomes the release clause. At that point, it won’t be about a negotiation—it will be a race to see who can trigger the clause and agree on personal terms the fastest.
However, if a club like City decides they cannot risk a bidding war in the summer, they may choose to “overpay” now—perhaps offering £50 million—to take the player off the table immediately. This would give West Ham the “War Chest” Nuno needs to buy a new striker and a specialist defensive midfielder to keep the club in the top flight.
Final Verdict: A Season-Defining Decision
West Ham United are at a crossroads. Keeping Mateus Fernandes gives them the best chance of staying in the Premier League, but selling him might be the only way to save the club from a total financial collapse. For Fernandes, a move to Manchester seems inevitable—the only question is whether he travels North in a private jet this week, or in the back of a relegation fire sale this summer.