Summer signing Mateus Fernandes insists he is fully settled at West Ham United and ready to help power his side up the Premier League table ahead of Monday night’s meeting with Everton.
The 21-year-old midfielder has been ever-present in the Hammers’ XI since joining from Southampton on 29 August, making a strong impression on debut during the 3-0 win at Nottingham Forest.
After a somewhat whirlwind four weeks in east London, that have also seen Fernandes make two appearances for Portugal’s U21s on international duty, he believes he has learnt a lot during a short time at the Club, and is itching to really make his mark in Claret and Blue.
Two away trips lie in store for the No18 and his teammates before the next international window of 2025/26, and, ahead of taking on Arsenal on 4 October, he has his eyes firmly focused on making a first-ever visit to Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium an occasion to remember.
“I’m enjoying the challenge so far,” Fernandes said. “I feel more stable now, a few games in, and on the pitch there have been highs and lows.
“My first game against Nottingham Forest was very good. We played well collectively, as a team, and the guys who scored pitched in with three very good goals.
“In the two games since we have had two less positive results, and we’ve seen the fine margins that define games in the Premier League. For example, if you give a bit of space away, you can concede a goal.
“We know we have to be better every day, and keep working harder in order to improve. I take responsibility for that, as well as my teammates, and I trust us as a team that we can reach higher levels and get some more positive results.”
Fernandes boasts a strong record against Everton, having won two and lost one of his three meetings with the Merseysiders during his season-long stay at Southampton in 2024/25.
Twelve months on the English south coast ultimately ended in relegation disappointment last term, but our No18 was a bright spot in the Saints’ season, as he played 36 times at a high level all over the pitch in the top-flight and was ultimately rewarded with the Saints’ Fans’ Player of the Season award.
While he now continues to adapt to life at West Ham, he is also looking forward to further exploring London over the coming weeks and months, and further improving his language skills.
“I made the decision to move to England from Portugal, and then after last season I wanted to stay here because I think the Premier League suits my characteristics as a player,” Fernandes added. “It’s also full of the best teams and players in the world.
“Unfortunately, last season didn’t end as we would’ve liked, but I took a lot from it and it will always be special to me. Now I am here at West Ham and I am focused on improving and helping the team as best I can.
“It’s good to be in London, and for sure I have a lot to discover. It’s a beautiful city, and at the moment I don’t know loads about it so I need to make sure I get out for walks and continue to see things and learn.
“I also want to keep getting better at English! I’m much better than I was this time last year, but like everything else I want to keep getting better and do the best I can.”
