Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of Portugal midfielder Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United in a club-record deal following the Hammers' relegation from the Premier League.
The 21-year-old completed his move across London on Thursday in a transfer reportedly worth £85 million ($113.4 million), surpassing Spurs' previous record outlay of £52 million for Netherlands forward Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig last August.
Fernandes becomes the latest addition to Roberto De Zerbi's squad as the Italian looks to strengthen a Tottenham side that narrowly avoided relegation from the Premier League last season.
The Portugal international revealed that De Zerbi played a major role in convincing him to join the North London club.
"Spurs is a massive club and the head coach was a key part of why I have decided to join," Fernandes said.
"When we spoke, it was very special.
"We look at football in the same way – going onto the pitch as a strong team, with fight and energy, to try and win every game."
Fernandes arrived in English football with Southampton in 2024 after progressing through Sporting Lisbon's renowned academy before joining West Ham in 2025.
Despite being just 21, he has already made 72 Premier League appearances, scoring five goals. He also earned his senior Portugal debut in April, although he was left out of Roberto Martinez's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Manchester United were also reportedly interested in signing the midfielder, according to the BBC.
De Zerbi believes Fernandes possesses the qualities needed to thrive in his system.
"I've admired Mateus for a long time because he combines quality on the ball with the intensity and intelligence that are so important in the way we want to play," De Zerbi said.
"Despite his age, he already has good experience in the Premier League and has shown quality and consistency at this level.
"Mateus is comfortable under pressure, can progress the ball, works hard for the team and has the courage to make things happen in difficult moments.
"I believe this is the ideal environment for him to continue his development, and I'm excited to start working with him."
Fernandes becomes Tottenham's fourth confirmed signing of the summer transfer window. The club have also reportedly agreed a deal to sign Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali.
Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka and defenders Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson and Jan Paul van Hecke have also arrived as part of De Zerbi's rebuild.
Tottenham begin their 2026-27 Premier League campaign away to Brentford on 22 August.
