Mateus Fernandes becomes West Ham's third most expensive signing - What will he add to the Hammers?

Sixth signing of the summer 

West Ham have endured a miserable start to the season. Eight goals conceded. Not a single point on the table. Dejected. Laboured. The enthusiasm for the new season is already somewhat labouring in East London. However, a new big-money signing always boasts the possibility of getting supporters back on side, and the Hammers have completed the signing of Southampton midfielder Matheus Fernandes, making him their second most expensive transfer of all-time. West Ham have signed the midfielder for an initial €44 million with €3.5m worth of add-ons and a 15 per cent sell-on clause.

The 21-year-old Portugal youth international will be West Ham’s sixth signing of the summer, with the London side also in talks to sign midfielder Soungoutou Magassa from Monaco. Fernandes joined Southampton last summer from Sporting and has since made 46 appearances for the south-coast side who were relegated last term. He scored four goals and registered seven assists for the Saints. He has played 36 times for Portugal’s youth teams up to under-21 level but is yet to make a senior international cap. Fernandes becomes West Ham's third most expensive signing of all time behind Sebastian Haller (€50m), and Max Kilman (€47m).

What will Mateus Fernandes add to West Ham?

One of the biggest issues West Ham have endured under Graham Potter so far this season is a lack of energy in midfield. James Ward-Prowse, Guido Rodríguez, and Tomáš Souček (all aged 30 or over) have all featured but struggled to keep up with the pace of the Hammer's opening two matches. Fernandes, at just 21 years of age, is a player full of running and will add more dynamism to West Ham's engine room. He also has great technical ability and should help the Hammers do a better job of retaining possession. A fierce long shot is also in the Portuguese star's repertoire. Southampton were a poor side last term, finishing bottom in the Premier League, but alongside Tyler Dibling, Fernandes was the one other positive for the Saints.