Why Mateus Fernandes should stay at Southampton FC – There are 5 obvious reasons | OneFootball

Mateus Fernandes has been linked with a move away from Southampton this summer. There are five obvious reasons to keep him at St Mary's.

Few players captured the hearts of Southampton fans quite as much as Mateus Fernandes did last season. The quality of his play and his tireless running endeared him to the Saints' faithful in a calamitous campaign.

From the moment that the summer transfer window opened, rumours of interested clubs have continued to spread. Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace and Leeds have all been linked with the exciting Portuguese midfielder.

It's not surprising given the 20-year-old's stats last season, compared with other attacking midfielders. Not only is Fernandes an excellent passer of the ball, he is also very strong in the tackle.

Fernandes has been away on international duty with the Portugal under-21 squad, where his country were knocked out at the quarter-final stage by the Netherlands.

Despite the player's obvious potential, there are five good reasons why the Saints should try and hang on to Fernandes.

Fernandes could have a very successful season in the Championship

Having performed so well in the top tier of English football, Fernandes should excel in the Championship.

With his array of passing, driving runs and intense style, he should be well suited to the demands of a league where strength and stamina are every bit as important as technical ability.

A move to a struggling Premier League club could seriously impede Fernandes' development. It is clear that he needs to add goals and assists to his output. This was not easy in a Southampton team obligated to defend for most of last season.

Playing in a lower division for a team expected to be among the front-runners should present Fernandes with more opportunities to get on the scoresheet.

Will Still has an excellent record of developing young players

Still’s record of developing young players is very strong. Manchester City's Juma Bah, Tottenham Hotspur's Kevin Danso, Stade de Reims highly-rated defensive midfielder Valentin Atangana, and Manchester City's Uzbeki defender Abdukodir Khusanov have all been entrusted to Still in recent years.

The opportunity for Fernandes to continue his development under Still at St Mary's should ensure that he improves rapidly and within a winning team. This would be great news for the player and for Southampton, should they get promoted.

Fernandes' salary is well within budget

With four years still left to run on his contract and a weekly wage of just £20,000, according to capology.com and their estimates, there is no financial imperative to sell Fernandes.

It's fair to say that the wage bill at St Mary's is currently too high. However, Fernandes is not among the highest earners at the club. Getting the likes of Jan Bednarek and Joe Aribo off the books should be taking priority right now.

While it is feasible that a bid upwards of £30 million could come in, replacing Fernandes could prove more expensive.

It is likely that Fernandes' value will climb

A good season in the Championship can only add to Fernandes' growing reputation and his value. Already figures in excess of £30 million are being reported in the local press as Forest, Palace, and Leeds wait in the wings.

First, fans will need to see how Still sets his team up. It is even possible that the Portuguese sensation could be battling against the mercurial teen, Tyler Dibling, for a place in the number 10 position.

Having the strength in depth to bring both players through this season could set Southampton up well for another go at the Premier League in 2026/27.

Fernandes is loved by the fans

Fernandes was an instant hit with fans and, as per the Daily Echo, he has a great connection with them. "The [Southampton] fans are very important to me," he explained in an interview with the local newspaper.

Selling a fans' favourite is rarely good for season ticket sales and holding on to Fernandes is quite a statement to wavering supporters who are deciding whether to renew or not.