“West Ham’s SHOCKING £30M Swoop for ‘PERFECT’ Star Who’ll OUTSHINE Paqueta – You WON’T Believe This!”

West Ham United’s list of significant summer departures may not end with Mohammed Kudus’ painful move to Tottenham Hotspur.

The East London club could be set for even more high-profile exits, with uncertainty still surrounding Lucas Paquetá’s future.

Having already seen Kudus make the controversial switch to a direct Premier League rival, the idea of Paquetá following him out the door is a worrying prospect for fans—especially as new reports suggest manager Graham Potter is already searching for a similar profile in the transfer market.

West Ham Inquire About £30 Million Midfielder

With the transfer deadline drawing nearer, West Ham look prepared to be among the more active Premier League sides in the remaining window.

Numerous potential signings have been linked with the Hammers in recent weeks, as Potter seeks to shape his squad for the coming season.

One fresh name under consideration is Cagliari forward Roberto Piccoli, who could provide much-needed depth and competition up front.

Meanwhile, the club is reportedly keeping tabs on young Sheffield United goalkeeper Michael Cooper, a promising option to reinforce the goalkeeping department following the retirement of veteran Łukasz Fabiański.

However, West Ham’s recruitment ambitions go beyond just the forward and goalkeeper roles. According to journalist Jack Rosser on X (formerly Twitter), the Hammers have made an approach to Southampton regarding 21-year-old midfielder Mateus Fernandes.

The Portuguese starlet impressed last season despite the Saints’ relegation and is thought to be valued at around £30 million.

Unfortunately for West Ham, initial talks have not been particularly encouraging, especially with Spanish giants Atletico Madrid also showing strong interest in the player.

Nonetheless, Fernandes is seen as a rising talent who could thrive at the London Stadium, and potentially serve as a long-term replacement for Paquetá if a deal is struck.

Fernandes: A Potential Heir to Paquetá

Though £30 million may seem steep for a player coming off a relegation season, Fernandes’ performances at Southampton stood out amid the club’s collective struggles.

The midfielder ended the campaign with two goals and four assists—solid numbers for a young player in a struggling team.

His individual displays have attracted attention from several top clubs, not just because of his technical quality but also due to his resilience and consistency in tough conditions.

Remarkably, his total goal involvements during the 2024/25 campaign surpassed those of Paquetá, who managed just four across all Premier League matches for West Ham.

Where Fernandes truly shines is in his versatility and completeness as a midfielder.

Much like Paquetá, the Portuguese youngster offers more than just creativity—he contributes defensively, shows tactical intelligence, and brings energy to both ends of the pitch.

Football analyst Ben Mattinson has even labeled him a “complete” midfielder, a title that is backed up by underlying metrics.

Numbers That Back It Up

When comparing Fernandes and Paquetá’s performances last season in the Premier League, Fernandes holds the edge in several key defensive metrics.

He recorded a higher number of tackles and ball recoveries per game—demonstrating a stronger presence in regaining possession and disrupting opposition play.

According to data from FBref, the two players also show statistical similarities in terms of positional versatility.

Paquetá, during his time with the Irons, often featured on the left wing as well as centrally—something Fernandes has also demonstrated during his short but impressive career.

Although Fernandes hasn’t yet established himself as a household name in the Premier League, his development trajectory suggests he could soon reach that level—especially under a manager like Graham Potter, who has a reputation for nurturing young, technically gifted players.

As Declan Rice once described Paquetá’s ability as “mind-boggling,” it’s clear the Brazilian leaves big boots to fill.

But if West Ham meet Southampton’s asking price, Fernandes could prove to be a worthy successor—capable of adding flair, balance, and work rate to the heart of the Hammers’ midfield for years to come.