"I'd be gutted" - £50m Mateus Fernandes claim dropped as Southampton FC exit threat lurks | OneFootball

FLW's Saints fan pundit believes that Southampton will be tough to deal with when it comes to a move for Mateus Fernandes

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

It looks like it's going to take a lot to convince Southampton to part ways with Mateus Fernandes this summer.

The Portuguese U21 international made the switch to St Mary's from Sporting last summer and signed a five-year deal upon doing so. So, unless there's any relegation release clause, Will Still and Southampton hold all the cards regarding a potential sale.

Fernandes was one of the standouts in a struggling Saints side last season, and it's clear that the freshly turned 21-year-old's ability exceeds that of the Championship. Therefore, Southampton fans are reluctant to see him leave.

Some Premier League clubs are being put off by a high valuation, but continental giants Atlético Madrid and Juventus are poking their heads around the door at St Mary's as they gauge their interest in a deal.

FLW's Southampton fan pundit, Martin Sanders, is among those who would be "gutted" to see Fernandes leave, but he feels that his club will drive a hard bargain in any transfer talks for the exciting attacking midfielder.

Southampton fan pundit gives "£50 million" claim on Mateus Fernandes price tag

Southampton have been quiet in terms of incomings so far, but they've yet to part ways with any of their key men this summer, so far - Kyle Walker-Peters and Jan Bednarek being arguably the only ones that Saints fans may lose sleep over ahead of the new campaign.

Whilst there's still a month remaining in the transfer window and plenty of time for that to change, the board at St Mary's is ensuring that the valuation is met when it comes to selling their players.

"I'd be gutted to see Fernandes go, and whoever does buy him will have to pay a lot of money to get him," Sanders said.

"Southampton aren't easy to deal with. You look at the money we brought in for Kamaldeen Sulemana, around £18 million.

"If he's worth that, then Fernandes is probably worth about £50 million, and I can't see anyone in the Premier League paying that. Maybe someone overseas would pay that sort of money for him, though."

Last season, Fernandes ranked inside the top 10% of attacking midfielders in the Premier League for successful passes, accurate long balls, and fouls won, according to FotMob. Southampton may have flirted with the worst points tally in English top-flight history at times last term, but the 21-year-old was a big bright spark within that side.

"It's been reported that there are about ten clubs interested in him. He's a prized asset who we can fetch the most money for," Sanders continued.

"I think he's a fantastic player and Southampton fans will be more than gutted to see him go, more than anybody in this current squad."

As Sanders referred to, the Saints were able to fetch up to £18 million for Kamaldeen Sulemana earlier in the summer transfer window, as he departed for Atalanta.

Sulemana was unimpressive during his time on the south coast, which included a season in the Championship where he scored no goals. He leaves Southampton with a record of four goals and seven assists in 74 appearances.

Additionally, the Saints were able to coup €7.5 million for a want-away Jan Bednarek, and whilst the centre-back would have been a solid option once more for Will Still's side in the Championship, it still represents a good fee for someone of his quality.

Therefore, Southampton don't look like they're going to budge when it comes to signings, and players won't be departing St Mary's this summer unless their valuation is met.

So, if a £50 million price tag does end up being slapped onto Fernandes' head this summer, then you'd expect that the 21-year-old will remain in the Championship this season.