BREAKING: £27,000,000 West Ham Star Could Be STOLEN for Peanuts If… Club Issues DESPERATE Response to Wild Rumours!

Mateus Fernandes arrived at West Ham United in the summer from Southampton and has quickly established himself as one of the club’s standout performers during the 2025/26 season.

Despite his young age, the 21-year-old Portuguese midfielder has shown maturity and quality beyond his years, becoming a regular feature in the Hammers’ starting XI.

He has already made 20 Premier League appearances, contributing two goals and two assists, while consistently impressing with his energy, creativity and composure in midfield.

Recently, reports emerged suggesting that Fernandes’ contract contains a £27 million relegation release clause.

Spanish outlet Defensa Central claimed that should West Ham suffer relegation, any interested club could activate this clause to sign the midfielder.

These rumours quickly sparked speculation, with European giants Real Madrid reportedly monitoring the situation, alongside Premier League heavyweights Manchester United and Manchester City.

However, those claims have since been firmly dismissed.

Claret and Hugh journalist Sean Whetstone relayed an official response from West Ham, making it clear that there is no relegation release clause in Fernandes’ contract.

While it is understood that the player does have a clause that would see his wages reduced by 50 per cent in the event of relegation, the club has categorically denied the existence of any fixed buyout fee.

The prospect of relegation naturally raises questions about the futures of West Ham’s key players.

Dropping into the Championship could provide an opportunity for a full rebuild, but it may also encourage several stars to seek moves elsewhere.

Lucas Paqueta is widely expected to depart regardless of the club’s league status, and others could follow suit.

Fernandes would undoubtedly attract significant interest if West Ham were relegated, given his age, talent and potential resale value.

Convincing him to remain at the London Stadium would require a clear vision from both the board and the manager.

If the club positions him as a central figure in a long-term rebuild, he may be tempted to stay and continue his development for at least another season.

Another option could see West Ham loan him out temporarily, allowing him to gain further experience while the club pushes for an immediate return to the Premier League.

Crucially, with no release clause in place, the Hammers retain full control over his future and can demand a substantial transfer fee if a sale becomes unavoidable.