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Southampton Secures Mateus Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon
Southampton Football Club has confirmed the acquisition of midfielder Mateus Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon for a transfer fee estimated at £15 million. This move marks a significant addition to the team as they bolster their midfield options.
The young Portuguese midfielder, who is an Under-21 international, has signed a five-year contract with the Saints. Fernandes previously made five appearances for Sporting’s senior team before being loaned out to Estoril for the entirety of the last season, where he showcased his talent in 28 matches across the Primeira Liga.
Expressing his excitement about joining the Premier League, the 20-year-old stated, “I’m very happy to be here – it’s a dream come true to come to England and play in the Premier League. It’s the best league in the world, in my opinion. It has the best coaches, the best players, the best teams. It’s good for me, for my growth and I’m happy.”
Southampton’s head coach, Russell Martin, spoke highly of Fernandes, emphasizing that the midfielder possesses “key attributes” that will contribute to the club’s objectives in the league. “Mateus is a player we have been monitoring for a while and someone we are really excited about,” Martin noted, highlighting the team’s commitment to securing promising talents.
The Saints are gearing up for their next Premier League fixture on Saturday, where they will face Nottingham Forest at 15:00 BST. This match will provide Fernandes the opportunity to potentially showcase his skills in front of the home crowd, as Southampton aims for a strong performance early in the season.
Source
www.bbc.com