Manchester United's summer transfer plans may have been complicated by Tottenham Hotspur's £85 million acquisition of Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United. The deal, completed this week, has strengthened West Ham's negotiating position, potentially affecting United's pursuit of winger Crysencio Summerville.
United's Summer Spending Spree
After missing out on European football last season, Manchester United were expected to adopt a frugal approach in the transfer market. However, the club spent £225 million on four new first-team players, including £73 million for Benjamin Sesko. This investment has already paid dividends, as United have improved their standing.
Now, it is Tottenham who find themselves outside the European places after a disastrous season that saw their Premier League survival uncertain until the final whistle. Like United last summer, Spurs are spending heavily to return to the Champions League, having already agreed to pay £100 million for Sandro Tonali and £85 million for Fernandes.
Impact on United's Midfield Plans
Manchester United had identified Fernandes as a potential replacement for outgoing midfielder Casemiro. However, the Reds had reservations about the 21-year-old, who suffered relegation in back-to-back seasons, and were unwilling to match the £85 million price tag. Tottenham, facing pressure to compete with Champions League-qualifying teams, chose to meet West Ham's valuation.
"From United's perspective, there were too many risks associated with the 21-year-old, who was relegated in back-to-back seasons, to justify an £85 million spend," a source close to the club said. "Spurs, on the other hand, saw those concerns and chose to ignore them."
Summerville's Situation
The Fernandes deal has also affected United's interest in Crysencio Summerville. The Netherlands international, who had a decent individual World Cup, is expected to be sold by West Ham. However, the Hammers' negotiating position is now stronger after banking £85 million for Fernandes.
West Ham value Summerville at around £50 million, a fee that raises questions about whether United see him as value for money. Last season, Summerville managed nine goal contributions in an underperforming team. "West Ham are under no pressure to sell Summerville now, and they have already seen that clubs are willing to meet the asking price for some of their stars," the source added.
If Manchester United decide to firm up their interest in Summerville, they may find West Ham unwilling to negotiate over their asking price, a stance influenced by Tottenham's willingness to pay top dollar for Fernandes.
