Liverpool Transfer Call Shows Mateus Fernandes Interest Is Real

Liverpool’s midfield planning under Andoni Iraola is beginning to take shape, and Fabrizio Romano has now provided a notable update on Mateus Fernandes.

The West Ham United midfielder has emerged as one of the more intriguing names on Liverpool’s radar this summer, with the 21-year-old potentially available following the club’s relegation from the Premier League.

Romano Confirms Liverpool Contact

Speaking on a Born ‘N Red transfer livestream, Fabrizio Romano revealed that Liverpool made contact to understand the terms around a possible move for Mateus Fernandes.

Romano said: “I will tell you something that was not so public in the recent days and weeks. Liverpool made a call two weeks ago to understand the situation of Fernandes at West Ham, to understand the price and conditions, but they didn’t return with any bid or any official conversation.

“They made a call two weeks ago, I can guarantee that. Tottenham and Man United are busy with a deal, so there are so many clubs involved. The player is going to be expensive, more than £85m. It means Liverpool are working on midfielders.”

That wording matters. Liverpool have not submitted a bid and there is no suggestion of advanced talks, but a call of this nature is rarely accidental. It points to due diligence, price checking and an attempt to understand whether Fernandes fits the club’s wider summer strategy.

Midfield Search Gains Pace

Liverpool’s need for midfield clarity is obvious. Curtis Jones has entered the final year of his current contract, with Inter Milan among those credited with interest, while Iraola’s arrival places fresh demands on intensity, ball carrying and defensive coverage in central areas.

Fernandes would fit much of that brief. He is young, physically competitive and progressive with the ball. His 2025/26 numbers underlined why several major clubs are paying attention. Per 90 minutes, he produced 3.27 accurate long balls, placing him in the top 5% among positional peers, alongside 3.07 tackles, 5.42 recoveries and a pass completion rate of 87.5%.

Those figures suggest a midfielder comfortable contributing both with and without possession, which is precisely the balance Liverpool need if they are to rebuild properly after last season’s collapse.

Price Tag Creates Key Question

The major issue is cost. Romano’s indication that Fernandes could cost “more than £85m” places this firmly in elite transfer territory.

For Liverpool, that kind of fee would demand absolute conviction. Fernandes has significant potential, but he is still only 21 and remains a player developing his game. West Ham’s relegation may encourage buyers to test the market, yet the level of competition could keep the valuation high.

Tottenham and Manchester United being involved adds further pressure. Liverpool have shown in recent years that they will walk away from deals if the price does not match their internal valuation. That discipline will be tested if Fernandes becomes one of the summer’s most contested midfielders.

Long-Term Fit at Anfield

Mateus Fernandes would not be a short-term signing. Liverpool would be investing in a midfielder they believe can grow into a core player for much of the next decade.

His mix of tackling, recovery work, passing security and ball progression makes him an attractive profile for Iraola’s Liverpool. The question now is whether interest becomes intent.

For the moment, Fabrizio Romano’s update confirms one thing clearly, Liverpool are working on midfielders, and Fernandes is firmly among the names being assessed.