Southampton’s Star Mateus Fernandes Has a Big Decision to Make — But So Do the Club | OneFootball

Mateus Fernandes is a name that is still relatively unheard of in European Football, albeit his consistently excellent displays in the last Premier League campaign may have caught the eye of a few.

During a breakout season for Southampton in 2024/25, the emergence of young star Tyler Dibling overshadowed the maestro’s performances in the media, in turn likely removing speculation over the Portuguese midfielder’s future. This transfer window will determine just that, not just in the long term of his career but also in Fernandes’ chances of making Portugal’s World Cup squad next Summer.

Southampton will face interest from various clubs for the 20-year-old, but do the Saints really need to sell?

How Good is Mateus Fernandes?

Despite Southampton finishing as the second-worst Premier League team of all time, on just 12 points, Fernandes provided consistent performances and, in turn, created 6 of the 26 goals for his side last season – over 20%. One in five goals went through the playmaker, highlighting his importance to the team that lacked any kind of goal threat.

Fernandes’ work off the ball is as equally good as his ability with it – that is what makes him unique. His attacking stats may seem poor, but his Southampton side offered little to nothing going forward, where Fernandes was often left with no support. In a team that is going to be one of the strongest in the Championship next season, Fernandes has the chance to showcase how good he really is in attacking positions.

Clubs in European competitions will undoubtedly be fighting for Fernandes’ signature because he is at the level to perform at the very top. If his attacking output improves, he will be there in no time.

Forcing a Move from Saints?

Many footballers playing for sides that have just been relegated will want to leave almost immediately, backing themselves above the level of the club they are at. This is unlikely to be the case for Mateus Fernandes.

Speaking to Southampton’s media, he spoke on his time in the city so far. Fernandes seems happy with his situation: “The training ground is amazing, much better than Sporting; the fans, everything around the club is amazing, so it’s a big club.”

He goes on to continue to talk about the last season: “I come to a new country; everything is new. The season was not very good, but individually it was very nice because it was my first season in the Premier League against the best players in the world. To be able to do it well is a good thing for me.

And unlike most imported players, the weather hasn’t seemed to be an issue: “I’ve never been in a place like this one. I can enjoy everything – even the weather here is good! The atmosphere is amazing, even when we are losing. I’m very happy to be here; I’m enjoying my time here.”

A Stumbling Block?

Fernandes is currently in the Portugal U21 fold and was one of their top performers in this summer’s European Championship.

With next year’s World Cup approaching imminently, Fernandes may think his best chance of making his country’s 26-man squad is if he leaves for a top-five league. Even if he inevitably performs in the Championship, Roberto Martinez will likely be looking for players operating at the top level at that time.

If Fernandes desperately wants to have a shot at making this squad, he may seek to move elsewhere.

Southampton’s Advantageous Position

“Southampton do not have a pressing need to raise funds through large sales this summer,” according to journalist Jack Rosser.

Unlike last time the Saints were relegated, the financial state of the club is in a much better position. The Profit + Sustainability Rules that EFL clubs must follow work in three-year cycles, so the 2022/23 high spend that saw the club blow over £100m is off their books.

When the club went down last, they were forced to sell top talents such as James Ward-Prowse, Tino Livramento and Romeo Lavia. Another fire sale will not happen this time around, though Aaron Ramsdale will need to be shifted from the wage bill. This gives Southampton an advantageous negotiating position, as they have already brought in nearly £30m this summer.

Sport Republic CEO, Rasmus Ankersen, who leads Southampton’s player sales, is a strong negotiator. Fernandes will either leave for a great deal of money to pursue a World Cup place or stay on the south coast of England for the foreseeable future.

The Verdict

While the Saints could ideally do with some incoming fees, it is not a necessity. Keeping Mateus Fernandes would be a huge step towards promotion, given he would likely be the best player in the Championship. Long-term, keeping Fernandes could be a huge help in any future Premier League relegation battles, given promotion again.