Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net

Credit: Imago

Harri Burton

Thu 21 August 2025 12:33, UK

David Sullivan’s popularity is at an all-time low at the London Stadium as West Ham continue to chase Mateus Fernandes’ signature.

Fernandes is seen as a perfect replacement for Lucas Paqueta should the Brazilian leave this summer, and with 10 goal contributions in 45 matches for Southampton, it is easy to understand the interest.

The Hammers opened the bidding for the 21-year-old with a £30million offer, which was swiftly rejected by the Saints, who value their star player much closer to £60million [The Athletic].

Karren Brady revealed that the club’s reason for selling Mohammed Kudus was strictly PSR-related, so being able to splash more than the £55million fee for the Ghanaian appears very unlikely [BBC Sport].

There have been rumours of the Hammers putting in another offer for the playmaker, but one only a couple of million more than their original bid, which was nowhere near the Saints’ valuation.

Now, according to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook (21 August), Southampton are yet to receive a second bid for Fernandes despite ongoing rumours around the 21-year-old midfielder.

MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES

Graham Potter‘s midfield appears to be the weakest part of the squad, and with Edson Alvarez set to depart for Fenerbahce this summer, the Hammers are desperate for more reinforcements.

Supporters have already grown tired and restless of their club’s summer transfer window, with very little exciting business being done, but the drama surrounding Fernandes appears to be the final straw.

Reacting to the latest update, one supporter used the scenario as evidence of “how much of a circus Sullivan runs”, while another called the Hammers’ transfer tactics “genuinely insulting” to the Saints.

Mads Hermansen and El Hadji Malick Diouf arrived for respectable transfer fees, but with Callum Wilson, Daniel Cummings, and Kyle Walker-Peters all being signed for free, fans are fed up with Sullivan.

The owner often finds himself under pressure, especially after David Moyes was replaced by Julen Lopetegui, only for his reign to last six months before appointing Potter at the helm.

Now, he is back in the spotlight as the club struggles to secure a deal for Fernandes.

Related Posts


For more news relating to West Ham, visit our sister site WHU Latest Live.