A new name in Mateus Fernandes has now been added to the list of Leeds United summer transfer targets, with the summer transfer window officially opening on June 1st for teams in the Premier League.
It’s been claimed that Leeds United and Crystal Palace are interested in Fernandes who’s been a shining light for Southampton in their otherwise dreadful 2024/25 season, with the former Sporting CP midfielder scoring twice and assisting three more in 35 Premier League games this season.
At 20 years old he’s a player with bags of potential and so it’s unsurprising to see this kind of transfer interest emerging. But for Leeds United it could be another tricky transfer pursuit, with Daniel Farke’s side already facing some uphill battles in the transfer market.
It’s now been claimed that Wolves have joined the race to sign James McAtee, with that pursuit looking difficult, whilst Crystal Palace have joined the race to sign Vardy, summing up the kind of battles Leeds face this summer.
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Alan Nixon drops Leeds United hint as race to sign Mateus Fernandes heats up
Posting on BlueSky, journalist Alan Nixon was asked whether or not he thinks Fernandes would opt for a move to Elland Road this summer, instead of a move to Selhurst Park where they’ll have European football on offer next season, after Crystal Palace won the FA Cup.
And Nixon simply stated that ‘Leeds maybe need him more’ this summer, suggesting that the Whites are ready to push the boat out to sign Fernandes. Following promotion, Farke has set his sights on a number of attacking midfielders with Brenden Aaronson having been a weak link in the side last season.
McAtee is among those linked, along with names like West Ham’s Tomas Soucek too.
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— Alan Nixon (@reluctantnicko.bsky.social) 23 May 2025 at 12:35
Leeds United have a massive advantage in race to sign Mateus Fernandes
A move to Crystal Palace would be an exciting prospect for any young footballer. But with Palace winning the FA Cup and gearing up for a big summer, game time could well prove limited for Fernandes should he move to Selhurst Park.
The Eagles are bound to sign some top players this summer and they already boast a squad full of talent. Leeds United meanwhile have a lot of gaps to fill and only so much money, and the central midfield positions are particularly light as it is.
For Fernandes, a move to Leeds United would see him get pretty much unlimited game time next season and from there, if Leeds United can push on, Fernandes could quickly come into the conversation for a top, top move.
It’ll no doubt come down to money though, with rumours of a £30million price tag on Fernandes’ head.
