Southampton have secured the services of Portuguese midfielder Mateus Fernandes for a whopping amount of £12.8 Million. The 20-year-old midfielder will be playing one of the toughest leagues in the world in the Premier League (PL) 2024-25.
He spent the previous season at Estoril on loan and played 28 matches for them, having scored one goal. Prior to that, he played for Sporting CP and Sporting CP B from 2021-22.
Mateus Fernandes helped Estoril reach the League Cup final for the first time in 80 years. His side Estoril lost the finals at the hands of Braga in the penalty shootout. It was a heartbreak for him and his side.
“I’m very happy to be here, it’s a dream come true to come to England and play in the Premier League. It’s the best league in the world, in my opinion. It has the best coaches, the best players, the best teams. It’s good for me, for my growth and I’m happy,” said Mateus Fernandes.
Southampton have made some wholesale changes to their squad
After missing out on the previous edition of the Premier League as they were relegated in 2022-23, Southampton have staged a comeback to the top-tier football league of England.
They lost their opening encounter to New Castle United 0-1 and would be looking to stage a comeback in the Premier League 2024-25.
The club recently secured the services of Japanese midfielder Kuryu Matsuki and Chile striker Ben Brereton Diaz. Both of them have a lot of expertise and experience and would be looking to dominate in the tournament.
“Mateus is a player we have been monitoring for a while and someone we are really excited about. He brings great energy, retains possession well and always looks for the forward pass,” said Russell Martin, the manager of Southampton.
“He is young and full of enthusiasm. With the ability he has to drive forward, we think he has some key attributes to really help us – not just in the future, given his age, but here and now in the Premier League,” he added.
Southampton had defeated Leeds United in the finals of the EFL Championship 2023-24 at the Wembley Stadium in London on 26th May 2024. Adam Armstrong had netted the goal for The Saints.
Also read: Top 3 Indian Cricketers With Bollywood Wives
