Man United transfer news: Mourinho wants to sign on of Red Devils’ top target in midfield

The Real Madrid presidential election has been marked by a war of narratives. While challenger Enrique Riquelme has promised Erling Haaland and Rodri, incumbent Florentino Perez has confirmed an agreement with Jose Mourinho. And should the long-serving president be re-elected, the Special One wants to sign one of West Ham United's standout performers: Mateus Fernandes.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, the Portuguese midfielder is on Mourinho's wishlist for next season at Real Madrid. Despite the Hammers' relegation from the Premier League, Fernandes was one of the breakout stars of the 2025-26 campaign, combining dynamism and combativeness under Nuno Espirito Santo.

Even with the drop to the Championship, West Ham value their number 18 at approximately £80 million. Arsenal, Liverpool and mostly Manchester United are also understood to be interested in Fernandes, who was surprisingly omitted from Roberto Martinez's Portugal squad for the World Cup.

No deal expected before Sunday's election

No negotiations are expected to advance before Sunday, when the next Real Madrid president will be confirmed. Perez is the overwhelming favourite, to the extent that Benfica have publicly indicated they are awaiting payment of Mourinho's £12.7 million (€15 million) release clause to allow the Portuguese to leave. The manager remains under contract at the Estadio da Luz until June next year.

Mourinho is waiting on the political process while organising the planning for his second spell at the Santiago Bernabeu, where he managed between 2010 and 2013. The 21-year-old midfielder's profile appeals greatly to the 63-year-old manager, who has been tasked with restoring Real Madrid to the top of the podium.

The collective disaster at West Ham did not prevent Fernandes's individual qualities from catching the market's attention. The Portuguese is renowned for covering virtually every blade of grass, acting as the link between defence and attack with impressive authority. His exceptional vision and passing quality — finding spaces for teammates with precision — are among his greatest strengths. Fernandes also impresses with his defensive contribution, emerging as a specialist in ball recoveries.

His 2025-26 numbers according to SofaScore tell the story: 42 appearances, five goals and five assists, an average of 37.9 accurate passes per match in the Premier League (87 per cent — the best in the squad), 3.1 accurate long balls per game (also the best) and 2.9 successful tackles per match (again the highest at the club).

Perez's Real Madrid reinforcements taking shape

Should Perez remain in power, further arrivals are expected. The president has announced an agreement with French centre-back Ibrahima Konate, who will become a free agent on 1 July following the expiry of his Liverpool contract.

Perez also has open discussions with Inter Milan over Dutch right-back Denzel Dumfries, who is expected to cost approximately £17 million (€20 million). The president has additionally signalled his intention to make a blockbuster signing worth £127 million (€150 million), though the identity of the player has not been revealed.