Mateus Fernandes, the new Tottenham midfielder, don tok about why e choose North London over Manchester United. The Portuguese player bin dey hot for transfer market after im season for West Ham, and e don become one of the most wanted midfielders for Europe.
According to reports, the deal na around £85 million, wey make am the fourth most expensive signing for this summer transfer window. Many fans bin think say Man United go win the race, but Fernandes bin surprise everybody by picking Tottenham.
For im interview with The Athletic, Fernandes explain say two main things influence im decision: the relationship with coach Roberto De Zerbi and the dream to win Premier League title. ‘The desire to play for a big club, to win games and fight for the Premier League title,’ e talk.
E say De Zerbi bin contact am every day and e even make family promise. ‘E say e go take care of me, e go be like second father for England. I dey very happy to work with am,’ Fernandes add. The personal touch from the Italian coach wey no be small thing for am.
Aside from De Zerbi, im former Sporting teammate Pedro Porro also help convince am. Porro, wey be Tottenham defender, bin call Fernandes and tell am say e need to join. ‘E call me one day—I no pick because I dey sleep—and e say ‘Come on, Mateus, you need to play with us.’ After everything settle, I yarn with am about the club and the team mentality,’ Fernandes narrate.
Meanwhile, Manchester United no fit secure the midfielder, so dem move to other targets: Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. But the arrival of Santos, wey cost about £50 million, no dey convince everybody for Old Trafford.
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes don speak out about im doubts. ‘I no think there dey much excitement around this one. E na young player for the future, but Manchester United no dey position to buy players just for the future,’ Scholes talk. E even question if Santos fit really make impact for the team now.
Nicky Butt, another Man United legend, also don share im opinion. E tok say although Santos get potential, e no get any special trait wey go make am stand out. ‘We bin expect big reinforcement for midfield. I hope e become superstar,’ Butt conclude. So now, Man United go still need to find someone wey fit make difference next season.
