Southampton Snags Rising Star from Lisbon! | OneFootball

Southampton Welcomes Mateus Fernandes to the Premier League

In a move that sparks excitement among football fans, Southampton FC have successfully acquired Mateus Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon. The promising midfielder has inked a five-year contract with the Saints, with the transfer fee reported to be around £15 million.

Fernandes’ Journey from Lisbon to Southampton

Mateus Fernandes, a young talent at just 20 years old, began his football journey in the youth ranks of Sporting Lisbon back in 2016. After proving his mettle in the academy, he advanced to the first team, where he made a handful of appearances. Last season, Fernandes showcased his skills on loan at Estoril, where he participated in 28 matches in Portugal’s Primeira Liga, demonstrating his readiness for more challenging leagues.

A Dream Realised in the Premier League

Fernandes expressed his enthusiasm about joining one of the world’s most competitive leagues. “I’m very happy to be here – it’s a dream come true to come to England and play in the Premier League,” he stated. He regards the Premier League as the pinnacle of global football, citing its top-tier coaches, players, and teams. “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,” Fernandes added.

Southampton’s Strategy and Expectations

Russell Martin, the manager of Southampton, praised Fernandes, noting his essential qualities that would contribute significantly to the team’s current dynamics. “Mateus is a player we have been monitoring for a while and someone we are really excited about,” Martin remarked. He emphasized that Fernandes possesses “key attributes” that are expected to strengthen the team immediately, especially in their upcoming matches.