Ex-Manchester United star Paul Ince has criticised Tottenham’s reported willingness to meet West Ham’s £80m asking price for Mateus Fernandes, calling the fee excessive for a midfielder.
The Portuguese midfielder’s valuation has dominated transfer headlines, as many have raised eyebrows at West Ham’s asking price. Rising valuations of midfielders are reflected in Manchester City’s agreement with Nottingham Forest for Elliot Anderson.
West Ham United want more than £80 million, and there are fears this price tag could price Manchester United out of the race. Michael Carrick’s side have been pursuing the Portuguese midfielder from relegated West Ham since the season ended, but they have not advanced a deal so far.
Tottenham are growing in confidence about signing Fernandes, with Roberto De Zerbi intent on securing top-notch midfielders for the season ahead and beyond. They are also in talks for Sandro Tonali, with the club targeting both rather than either.
Tottenham are ready to make a significant bid for Fernandes, which may indicate they could come closer to West Ham’s asking price. Manchester United are also holding discussions, per TheHardTackle’s reporting, although there is no clarity on whether the Red Devils will come close to the Hammers’ asking price.
Paul Ince takes aim at Tottenham over Mateus Fernandes price
The prices, especially the one doing the rounds for Fernandes, have baffled ex-Manchester United star Paul Ince, who was a midfielder during his successful spell at the club. In his comments to TeamTalk, Ince took digs at Spurs over the prices involved in the Fernandes deal, making his point that the money being discussed is absurd.
Ince said, “Well, it’s funny… I went from West Ham to Man United for £1 million! Which is absolute madness when you look at the prices today.
“When you are spending that type of money — £80 million, £110 million — you expect that kind of money to be reserved for a striker who guarantees you 30 goals a season.
“Mateus Fernandes at West Ham… they’re talking £80 million for him. I mean, before he joined West Ham, he played in a Southampton side that went down; he’s now had back-to-back relegations, so to command that kind of money is crazy.
“I know he’s technically a very good player, but when you pay that much money for midfield players, I want to see an all-rounder.”
Manchester United have not publicly disclosed their valuation of Fernandes, leaving the door open for Tottenham to move. However, this saga has plenty of legs and is expected to drag on as the Hammers will want the best value with the sale of the midfielder
