Premier League side, Southampton have completed the signing of Portugese midfielder Mateus Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon earlier today, August 20, 2024.
Southampton paid the sum of £15 million to complete the transfer deal.
The 20-year-old Portugal Under-21 international has penned a five-year deal with the Saints after featuring five times for Sporting’s first team and making 28 Primeira Liga appearances last season while on loan at Estoril.
Fernandes described joining Southampton and playing in the Premier League as a dream come true.
He said: “I’m very happy to be here, it’s a dream come true to come to England and play in the Premier League.
“It’s the best league in the world, in my opinion. It has the best coaches, the best players, the best teams. It’s good for me, for my growth and I’m happy.
“I know some things about Southampton. I know about the city. I know José Fonte played here, Cédric, so I want to talk to them. I spoke to the manager and I like him a lot – his energy, his feeling, he’s very good. He talked to me and I’m very happy.
“I want to help the team, but I’m new in England so I need help from them too! I want to help the team and enjoy the Premier League with the guys this season. I think I can help when we have the ball and when we don’t have the ball.”
Southampton manager Russell Martin hailed Fernandes’ arrival, citing his key attributes that he believes would benefit the club immediately in the Premier League.
The coach said, “Mateus is a player we have been monitoring for a while and someone we are really excited about. He brings great energy, retains possession well and always looks for the forward pass.
“He is young and full of enthusiasm to come and play for Southampton. With the ability he has to drive forward from midfield, we think he has some key attributes to really help us: not just in the future, given his age, but here and now in the Premier League.”
Southampton’s next Premier League fixture will see them host Nottingham Forest at 3 p.m. on Saturday.
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