Real Madrid Reportedly Reluctant to Pay £80M for Mateus Fernandes

Real Madrid has been significantly active in the ongoing transfer window, having already secured the signings of Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries. The club aims to complete further transfers in the coming weeks, with a primary focus now shifted to strengthening its midfield options.

Following the reported strengthening of Jose Mourinho’s defensive selections with Konate and Dumfries, Real Madrid is reportedly close to finalizing a deal for Bernardo Silva to join the Bernabeu. The club is also seeking a more defensively-oriented midfielder.

Reports indicate that new head coach Jose Mourinho has expressed interest in signing his compatriot, Mateus Fernandes, from West Ham United. Fernandes, who is expected to depart the English club this summer following their relegation from the Premier League, has reportedly impressed Mourinho.

While Real Madrid is said to be among the clubs pursuing Fernandes, their participation may be short-lived. The club is reportedly unwilling to meet West Ham's asking price of £80 million (€93 million), deeming the figure too expensive, according to El Debate (via TEAMtalk). This valuation could pose a challenge for Real Madrid, especially with other prominent clubs like Manchester United also reportedly in the race for the midfielder.

Despite Real Madrid's financial capability, demonstrated by a previous €150 million bid for Julian Alvarez that was rejected by Atletico Madrid, a €93 million acquisition for Fernandes is considered a significant risk due to his limited experience at the highest level. Although such a deal would align with the club's transfer policy, the key question remains whether Real Madrid considers Fernandes the ideal player to address their midfield requirements.

(Source: Yahoo Sports Soccer)