How Southampton plan to keep hold of Matheus Fernandes amid Premier League interest

EXCLUSIVE: How Southampton plan to keep hold of Matheus Fernandes amid Premier League interest

EFL Analysis understands that Southampton have a plan to stave off Premier League interest and keep star midfielder Mateus Fernandes.

 

Southampton always knew that relegation from the Premier League would put them at huge risk of losing their key players this summer.

 

The Saints have already offloaded Kyle Walker-Peters, Samuel Amo-Ameyaw and Paul Onuachu, while Kamaldeen Sulemana joined Atalanta as their most notable departures.

 

Others could follow them out of the door at St Mary’s, though, as Tottenham remain ‘very keen’ on Tyler Dibling, who is valued at £50 million.

 

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is fielding Premier League interest alongside talented Portuguese midfielder Mateus Fernandes.

 

Mateus Fernandes during Southampton FC v Fulham FC – Premier League

 

Will Still can be a big factor in Mateus Fernandes staying at Southampton

Southampton have valued Fernandes at around £30 million, with the 21-year-old attracting the likes of West Ham and Leeds United.

 

Fernandes scored twice and assisted four times in the top flight last term, becoming one of a few shining lights in a dismal campaign for the Saints.

 

Supporters will be worried that the club could now cash in on the youngster; however, there is a huge chance he could stay on the South Coast.

 

As per information from our Chief Football Correspondent, Graeme Bailey, EFL Analysis can reveal that the players ‘quite like’ new manager Will Still and that could play a factor in both Fernandes and Dibling staying put.

 

Also, after making a raft of player sales, Southampton are under no pressure to sell more of their talent, and with their desire to bounce straight back into the Premier League, they see keeping their best players as a way of achieving their goal.

 

Fernandes is way too good for the Championship

There is no surprise that an instant return to the top flight is being mooted for Fernandes, but as it stands, Southampton fans will relish this update and their stance on keeping him.

 

At just the age of 21, Fernandes is a complete number eight, excelling in the attacking and defensive phases of matches, with his passing, vision, ball-carrying and positional awareness all being standouts.

 

Last season, during difficult circumstances, the Portugal under-21 international didn’t shirk responsibility and produced some outstanding displays.

 

Mateus Fernandes’ 2024/25 Premier League stats

 

36 appearances

2 goals

4 assists

6 big chances created

85% pass completion

2.5 tackles per game

5 balls recovered per game

Should they manage to keep hold of their midfield metronome, Southampton will be nailed on for automatic promotion.

Read more on;https://www.sportupdates.co.uk