First Team Squad

Player profile and performance records.

Mateus Fernandes (midfielder)

Squad Number: 18
Position: midfielder
Born: 10th Jul 2004 (Olhao, Portugal)
Signed: 29th Aug 2025 (£38,000,000)
Contract: 5 years (signed August 2025)
Previous Club: Southampton

KUMB Awards: None.

Born in Olhao, Portugal, Fernandes began his footballing journey at his local club Olhanense, before moving to Sporting CP's youth academy as a 12-year-old in 2016.

Six years later, in October 2022, Fernandes signed his first professional contract with the club - which included a release clause of ?,?60 million - tying him to Sporting until 2027.

He made his senior debut as a late substitute in a 3?EUR"1 Primeira Liga win over Casa Pia on 22 October 2022.At the beginning of the following season, in August 2023, Estoril announced the signing of Fernandes on a season-long loan.

Having returned to Sporting at the culmination of his loan spell, Fernandes joined Southampton on a five-year contract in a deal worth ??15million. He made his debut for the Saints on 24 August 2024 in a 1?EUR"0 home defeat against Nottingham Forest, replaced Taylor Harwood-Bellis for the final 14 minutes.

Later than week Fernandes opened his account for Southampton with a goal in the 5?EUR"3 away win against Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup. However his stay at St Mary's was to prove short-lived.

Following Southampton's relegation from the Premier League at the end of the 2024/25 season, Fernandes moved to West Ham for a fee of ??38million plus add-ons (??4million). He signed a five-year contract with the Hammers, where he was given the number 18 shirt, tying him to east London until 2030.

2025/26 Match Notes & Ratings

vs Burnley

3-2: Saturday, 8th November
(Played 90 minutes)

Most chances created, one misplaced pass, busy in defence, carried well, played smart forward passes, and passed into the final third more than anyone. He wanted it, he wanted the ball and he wanted the fight to win it back.

vs Newcastle United

3-1: Saturday, 1st November
(Played 90 minutes)

Probably the lesser of the three in midfield, but still a very good performance and hopefully one that works as a springboard. He's incredibly busy, gets up and down the pitch at pace and spots danger well. He and Potts are a very good pair, and both complemented Paqueta well.

vs Leeds United

1-2: Saturday, 25th October
(Played 25 minutes, sub)

(Soucek 65') Similarly to Potts, he got around the pitch and did so with speed, looking up, comfortable creating and comfortable spotting danger and snuffing it out. The dart into the box and header was clever. For a 25-minute cameo, that was excellent.

vs Brentford

0-2: Saturday, 18th October
(Played 90 minutes)

He could not get into the game, probably a part of playing between Soucek and Irving, who are far from his level on the ball, and whilst not good, he had to stay on if it was to become a two-man midfield, he's the only player capable of doing the running required.

vs Arsenal

0-2: Saturday, 4th October
(Played 90 minutes)

Was incredibly busy, making seven tackles, and keeping the ball with 100% of his 35 passes, but was let down a little by how he let people run off his shoulder into dangerous areas.

vs Everton

1-1: Monday, 29th September
(Played 90 minutes)

Mostly played deeper than Paqueta in more of a holding pair, and this limits some of his pass and move play. He can be dynamic in the opposition half but was disciplined.

vs Crystal Palace

1-2: Saturday, 20th September
(Played 90 minutes)

He tries to be busy and does so with a bit of pace about him, but he's playing with statues. The gaps in midfield had him pushing to be alongside Paqueta and dropping in to support Ward-Prowse, a thankless task.

vs Tottenham Hotspur

0-3: Saturday, 13th September
(Played 61 minutes)

Worked hard and had an influence across the pitch, and had this been on merit, he would not have been subbed off. However, it seemed he was protected by the manager and given a bit more rest once the game was gone. He is arguably too important in attack right now to be sacrificed to hold a deeper role, but the team also need more energy and his ability in there.

vs Nottingham Forest

3-0: Sunday, 31st August
(Played 90 minutes)

A promising debut. He's got some strength for his frame, works hard, has a step of pace and makes smart runs. Combined well with Paqueta and slotted into the team nicely, especially considering he'd barely trained with the squad.