Mateus Fernandes has vowed to give everything every day for the Claret and Blue Army after sealing his switch to West Ham United.
The 21-year-old midfielder has penned a five-year contract with the Hammers, following an impressive season-long spell at Southampton that yielded 46 appearances in all competitions and the club's Fans' Player of the Season award.
Prior to shining on England’s south coast, Fernandes enjoyed an eye-catching rise through the youth ranks at European heavyweights Sporting Lisbon, who he joined at the age of 13 after first demonstrating his talent close to his roots in the Algarve at Olhanense.
Having turned professional in October 2022, and made his senior debut for the 21-times Portuguese champions in the same month, the Portugal U21 international showed his quality during a season-long loan at Estoril in 2023/24, where he made 35 appearances and finished as a runner-up in the Allianz Cup.
Another switch, this time to a new country on permanent terms, followed in August 2024, when he joined Southampton. Fernandes’ performances for the Saints at both ends of the pitch stood out.
After enjoying a taste of what he describes as the best league in the world, he quickly identified West Ham as the place to continue his Premier League dream, with his visit to London Stadium with Southampton in April 2025 leaving plenty of lasting memories.
Conversations with former Southampton teammates Kyle Walker-Peters and Maxwel Cornet, as well as new Head Coach Graham Potter, confirmed his decision to make the move across to east London, and now he can’t wait to get to business in front of the Irons supporters…
Welcome to West Ham United, Mateus. How does it feel to be here?
“I’m very happy to be here, and very excited to play for West Ham. I think it’s a big step for me, and I just can’t wait to get going.”
Why did West Ham stand out as the right Club for you?
“It’s a massive Club. The project, the stadium, the city - everything is top level. I’m delighted to be a West Ham player, and I want to try and do well with my new teammates.”
What has the Head Coach, Graham Potter, said to you about the Club and how he sees you fitting into the environment here?
“I think the main thing that stood out was about the style of play. I want to try to play football, and enjoy football. I don’t want to just run and try to score, but to try and play good football, and I think West Ham is a good fit.
“I thought what the Head Coach told me about the project was fantastic. He showed me everything he wanted to do, which I really liked, so yeah, I’m very happy to be here.”
Can you tell us about your qualities as a player, and also as a person?
“As a player, I think I’m someone who runs, fights for the ball and tries to win every duel. I always try to help my teammates and the Club, and do the best I can.
“I’d say I’m very different on the pitch to off it! As a person, I like to enjoy my days off with my family, my girlfriend and with my friends. I’m just a normal guy!”
You grew up in the Algarve and started out at your local team, Olhanense. Can you tell us about that?
“Yes, I was born in the Algarve and I was very happy there. I started playing at Olhanense, the club of my local town, and then I left home when I was 13 to move to the Sporting Lisbon academy.
“I was very happy in the Algarve - it’s my home and my favourite place - but moving to Sporting was my first big step on the way to becoming a professional footballer.”
How did the move to Sporting come about, when you were so young?
“I started playing for Sporting when I was I about seven or eight, but then when I was 13 I moved to the academy to play with them in the league.
“It was a fantastic journey for me. I lived with my friends, who are still my best friends now, and it was a really important time in terms of my evolution as a player and as a person.”
What was it like moving far away from home at such a young age?
“It was difficult for me, but I think it was more difficult for my family! I was young, but it was my dream!
“Sporting helped me a lot with many things. I was playing football with my best friends, so I enjoyed it a lot, and they helped make my dream come true.”
Sporting boasts an incredible history of developing young players. What is so special about it there?
“For me, it’s one of the best academies in the world. I think everyone there - the coaches and even the people in the schools - wants to help all the young players be the best versions of themselves.
“Players like Cristiano [Ronaldo], Nani and Bruno [Fernandes] have come through there, and they were like idols for us. We all just did our best to try and be like them.”
You spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Estoril, in the Portuguese Primeira Liga. You were still a teenager then, so how important do you think that experience was?
“I think it was the most important season for me. I was only 19, and I wasn’t playing a lot in Sporting’s first team, in the top division in Portugal. I went to Estoril and did play a lot, and I built some really good relationships with the guys there.
“It’s an unbelievable place, and an unbelievable club. I think I got a bit of a different perspective, going to a smaller club, and I really enjoyed it.”
Then, you moved to Southampton in August 2024, where you stood out in what was overall a challenging season. How did last year help you, both as a player and as a person?
“Everything was new for me last year. Even the language - this time last year, I didn’t speak English well at all.
“It was difficult at the beginning, being in a new country with new teammates, but everyone helped me a lot.
“I was happy at Southampton. It’s a big club as well, and I had good relationships with everyone there, but I think now is the right time to move on.”
How much are you looking forward to reuniting with a couple of familiar faces and meeting the rest of your new teammates?
“I spoke with Kyle Walker-Peters before signing, and he told me the guys are great. I played with Maxwel Cornet at Southampton last year too, and he told me many good things about the Club and the city.
“I know that there are some Portuguese speakers in the squad as well, so hopefully they will help me settle in too!
“I’m here to help the other players, and ultimately to try and win. That’s the aim.”
How excited are you to be back in the Premier League?
“For me, it’s the best league in the world. It’s a dream come true to play in the Premier League, with and against the best players in the world and the best teams in the world.
“I think it’s important to enjoy that, and for sure I will try to do my thing and help my teammates and the Club be as successful as possible.”
Are you looking forward to being in London, as well?
“It’s a massive city, and I think it’s a bit difficult to drive here! But I love London!
“I’ve been here a few times now, and I’ve always really enjoyed it, so I’m excited to be able to explore more of it.”
How much do you know about West Ham United and the identity and history of the Club?
“I’ve played against West Ham twice before, including at London Stadium last season. I remember it was a fantastic atmosphere.
“I remember when the Club won the [UEFA] Conference League, and I know there is lots of history here. It’s great to be able to join such a big Club.”
What is the most important thing to you when it comes to representing West Ham United and wearing the Claret and Blue shirt?
“I think the most important thing is to try to give everything every day. Not just in games, but in training, in the gym, in recovery and everything else. I think everything matters.
“I’m here to try and help my teammates. I want to try and win every game, and to be as successful as possible.”
