Southampton in talks to sign Sporting Lisbon midfielder Mateus Fernandes in £16m deal as Russell Martin’s side look to continue to add to their squad upon return to the Premier League
- Southampton lost their first game of the season, going down 1-0 to Newcastle
- However, they are now trying to strengthen their squad before the transfer window closes.
- LISTEN NOW: It’s all about to begin!available wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes every Monday and Thursday
Southampton are in talks with Sporting Lisbon to sign midfielder Mateus Fernandes (20) for a transfer fee of up to £16 million.
The Saints began their Premier League campaign on Saturday afternoon after being promoted back to the top flight last season, but lost 1-0 to Newcastle.
Despite playing most of the match with ten men, the Magpies impressed and held their ground against a dominant Saints to take the three points.
It was a disappointing afternoon for Russell Martin’s team, but better times could be ahead in the form of a new signing who could turn things around.
Fernandes is seen as a player for the future, but he could be now. He has made ten appearances for the Portuguese club in total, including the 3-1 win in the league opener against Rio Ave last week.
Southampton are in talks to sign Sporting Lisbon midfielder Mateus Fernandes for a fee of £16m
Russell Martin is keen to strengthen his squad after defeat in their first game of the new season
Fernandes has likely played his last game for Sporting after being left out of their last squad
However, on Saturday Sporting Nacional were defeated 6-1 and Fernandes was not in the selection. Manager Ruben Amorim spoke about his future afterwards.
“He is leaving, that’s true,” Amorim said after the match, although he did not name any potential clubs he could end up at.
If Fernandes moves to Saints, he will have to compete with the likes of Will Smallbone, Joe Aribo and Flynn Downes for a starting place.
Fernandes, who has also played on the left in midfield, spent last season on loan at Estoril in Portugal, making 28 appearances and scoring one goal.