David Sullivan loses yet another negotiating battle as West Ham deal agreed
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Credit: Imago
James Murray
Thu 28 August 2025 16:45, UK
David Sullivan appears to have lost another negotiating battle after a West Ham deal has been agreed.
Sullivan is under fire from the West Ham fans again following the club’s disappointing start to the new season.
Graham Potter’s side were beaten 3-0 and 5-1 by Sunderland and Chelsea in their opening two Premier League games, while they were knocked out of the Carabao Cup following their 3-2 defeat against Wolves on Tuesday (26 August).
West Ham have been linked with multiple stars as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of the transfer window closing on 1 September.
The Hammers saw an opening bid rejected for the 21-year-old earlier this month, with their offer worth around £30million including add-ons.
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Southampton have been holding out for a higher fee for their star midfielder, and it now appears their stance has paid off.
BBC Sport reported on Thursday (28 August) West Ham have agreed a deal for Fernandes worth in excess of £40million.
The Portugal Under-21 international has been granted permission to undergo a medical as he closes in on a move to the London Stadium.
The Hammers are clearly not in a strong negotiating position at this moment in time due to their on-field issues, with Sullivan forced to pay over £10million more than he originally hoped for Fernandes.
Southampton signed the midfielder for just £15million from Sporting Lisbon last summer.
The Portuguese registered three goals and six assists in 42 appearances as the Saints were relegated from the Premier League last season, while he’s recorded a goal and an assist in his first four outings of the new campaign.
Credit: Imago
West Ham fans raged at the decision to sell Mohammed Kudus to Tottenham last month.
Kudus had an £85million release clause in his contract at the London Stadium, but Sullivan and the rest of the board accepted a cut-price offer for the winger.
Although the Hammers fans will be pleased to see another face coming through the door following the addition of Fernandes, some may feel the club are paying over the odds for the midfielder as other areas of the squad also need improvement.
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