You wait all summer for one midfield signing and then two come along at once. Mateus Fernandes has signed from Southampton for £38m plus £4m in add-ons. I'm slightly wary of signing players from relegated clubs (Fernandes, Walker-Peters and Hermansen so far) since their confidence will be low and ultimately they couldn't keep their team up; but Fernandes at 21 was certainly one of the Saints' best players last season and picked up valuable experience, playing 36 times scoring twice and assisting four times. The Portugeeezer looks a busy player who can both create and get a tackle in. He's previously played for Sporting Lisbon and on loan at Estoril and is an Under-21 international.
While the Irons have also now just completed the signing of 21-year-old defensive midfielder Soungoutou Magassa from Monaco for £17.5 million. Can Maga make West Ham great again? If so he'll be the ultimate populist. This could be the most vital signing of the summer since the Hammers have never really replaced Declan Rice and a defensive shield would surely make the three centre backs look a little better. He can also play at centre back himself. Magassa is six foot two so hopefully will be an intimidating presence with more pace than Rodriguez, Soucek or the departed Alvarez.
Signing a couple of promising and 21-year-olds gives the side a lot more energy and hope for the season and there are also rumours of a third midfield signing in Feyenoord’s Quinten Timber, who wood do nicely. Here's hoping all his transfer activity kick-starts our season.
