Revealed: The Mateus Fernandes stats that prove West Ham have finally replaced Declan Rice
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Credit: Imago Revealed: The Mateus Fernandes stats that prove West Ham have finally replaced Declan Rice Tue 10 March 2026 10:46, UK West Ham United have finally found their replacement for Declan Rice, and his name is Mateus Fernandes.Rice was sold to Arsenal in a British-record deal of £105million in 2023, and the Hammers have struggled to replicate his impact in the years since. The midfielder had been a defining presence all over the pitch for West Ham, as he is now for the Gunners.The Irons beat Brentford on penalties to progress to the quarter-final of the FA Cup on Monday, after Jarrod Bowen and Igor Thiago both scored twice in normal time.West Ham’s win has set up a clash with Leeds United in the next round, with the chance of silverware still alive. ⚽West Ham United Matchday⚽ Team news, line-ups, expert previews and tactical analysis for every West Ham fixture.
VISIT THE WEST HAM MATCH HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Mateus Fernandes impresses vs BrentfordFormer West Ham scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider last month that Fernandes could leave West Ham, among several other players, should relegation be confirmed.And just a few months ago, that relegation looked almost confirmed at the London Stadium.However, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have looked transformed in the time since, beating the likes of Tottenham, Sunderland, and Fulham. West Ham fixturesDateMan City (H)14 MarAston Villa (A)22 MarLeeds United (H)4 AprWolves (H)10 AprCrystal Palace (A)20 AprWest Ham now only remain in the relegation zone on goal difference, and boast significantly better form than 16th-placed Tottenham, who are only a point ahead.Fernandes was key as the Hammers won in the FA Cup on Monday, with the 21-year-old thriving both when going forward and going back.The Portugal youth international’s superb cross led to Bowen’s opening goal, and he created four chances in total throughout his 105 minutes on the pitch.
The midfielder also completed one dribble, 13 passes into the final third, four tackles, five recoveries, and won five of his seven duals.Credit: ImagoIn the same way Rice used to do for West Ham, Fernandes fought and won battles all over the pitch in a brilliant all-action display.Could Fernandes warrant a Declan Rice-type feeWest Ham will be well aware that as long as Fernandes continues to perform as he is, there is a time limit on his time at the London Stadium, just as there was for Rice.The 21-year-old cost around £42million to sign from Southampton last summer, however, and decision-makers will not be in a hurry to give up a player of that calibre.Should West Ham go down, they will certainly lose negotiating power and Fernandes may well want to leave, but they remain in a strong position given the four years remaining on his contract.The question is if the midfielder can keep developing to the level that he warrants a fee in the region of the £105m Arsenal paid for Rice? ⚒️ Don’t Miss a Beat: Your West Ham Insider Access Get the full story from the London Stadium and Rush Green with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from East London.