Overview
- Tottenham completed Fernandes’s transfer from West Ham for about £85 million this summer, and the club confirmed the signing as part of a major recruitment drive.
- Fernandes told reporters he rejected interest from Manchester United because De Zerbi called him every day, promised to look after his family, and offered a clear role at the club.
- Former Sporting team‑mate Pedro Porro actively encouraged Fernandes to join, telling him in Portuguese that Spurs wanted him and that he had asked the manager to sign him.
- Fernandes scored a volley on his pre‑season debut for Spurs against MK Dons, but De Zerbi has said the club will manage his minutes and avoid taking fitness risks.
- The deal formed part of an owner‑backed summer overhaul that briefly set a club transfer record before further spending on Sandro Tonali and reshaped Tottenham’s squad planning and finances.