Liverpool were reportedly interested in signing Mateus Fernandes this summer, as per The Athletic.
After joining Southampton from Sporting CP a couple of years ago, the 22-year-old showed glimpses of his qualities in the Premier League, although he failed to help the Saints avoid relegation.
Having been impressed by his performances, West Ham United decided to purchase him last summer. He impressed once again last season, making eight goal contributions in 38 appearances across all competitions. However, the Portuguese failed to keep hold of his ex-club’s top-flight status.
Fernandes attracted a lot of attention during the early stages of the summer window as Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur went head-to-head to sign him. But the Lilywhites eventually managed to secure his services for a huge fee of around £85m.
Now, The Athletic report that Liverpool identified Fernandes as a serious target if they decided to make a move for a new midfielder.
However, despite selling Curtis Jones to Inter Milan, the Merseyside club opted not to strengthen the midfield department ahead of this season.
Eventually, the Reds purchased Jeremy Jacquet, Victor Muñoz, and Bradley Barcola to bolster the squad. Moreover, they signed Ronald Araujo on a season-long loan deal from Barcelona.
Fernandes to Man Utd
Fernandes is a technically gifted right-footed box-to-box midfielder but is also comfortable in the deep-lying playmaker position. Furthermore, he can provide cover in the CAM role if needed.
The Tottenham star is quick, strong, can play threading passes between the lines, has an eye for long-range passing, and is efficient at taking set-pieces.
Moreover, he has an eye for scoring goals from distance and is solid in defensive contributions. The 22-year-old is a highly talented player and isn’t a finished article yet.
Therefore, he would have been a shrewd acquisition for the Anfield club had they eventually managed to secure his services in this summer window.
Meanwhile, Fernandes has endured a difficult start at Tottenham, losing the opening two Premier League fixtures against Newcastle United and Brentford by an aggregate score of 5-0. Now, Spurs are set to face Nottingham Forest at the City Ground this weekend.
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