- Mateus Fernandes likely to headline West Ham United departures
- The Hammers must move quickly for ideal Fernandes successor Jordan James
- James is subject to interest from Serie A side Atalanta
Naturally, given West Ham United’s recent relegation from the Premier League, which has resulted in the uncertain future of a number of players and an upcoming World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada that will dominate the discourse and movement of global football for the next few months, the Hammers’ summer plans have yet to take full form.
It is expected that the club will have to sell heavily to recoup the intended nine-figures needed from player sales to alleviate the pressures that come with being relegated, with Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville likely to headline departures. However, it is unclear when these transactions will occur.
Summerville will jet off to North America with the Netherlands after being selected in Ronald Koeman’s 2026 World Cup squad, which means any deal involving the winger will likely come after June. Fernandes’ future should be done sooner rather than later after the Portugal U21s’ duty came to an end following a 4-0 win over Northern Ireland U21s on Wednesday.
Fernandes, in particular, has drawn interest from a host of Europe’s biggest clubs, which could drag out a potential deal, but Nuno Espírito Santo and company must act quickly to secure his inevitable successor to avoid leaving themselves burnt.
West Ham given warning sign for Jordan James after Man Utd’s latest acquisition
When Fernandes departs, there are very few players, if any, who project as an ideal replacement for the midfield metronome quite like Jordan James. The Welshman, who won the EFL Championship Young Player of the Season despite his current club, Leicester City, suffering relegation, is an all-rounder with a skill set capable of dominating Championship play.
James spent a season on loan with the Foxes, contributing to 15 goal involvements from midfield, but will return to parent club Rennes after Leicester’s relegation to League One. As a result, a host of clubs are looking to take advantage of the 21-year-old’s current situation, given he’s out of favour in France after joining from Birmingham City in 2024. French publication L’Équipe reports that Rennes could command a fee four times the £5 million buy-option Leicester had if they remained in the second division.
Serie A side Atalanta are said to have earmarked James as a signing after agreeing to a deal for Ederson to join Manchester United. West Ham must act quickly to budge themselves as a priority into negotiations. Their Serie A counterparts are unlikely to offer a leading financial package despite securing Conference League qualification, and will also have to convince James he can gain sufficient game time in their competitive midfield.
Former West Ham captain Declan Rice serves as “perfect example” for James
Additionally, James has recently cited former West Ham captain Declan Rice as the “perfect example” for his game in an interview with The Independent.
“Declan’s a perfect example. He’s been the best player in the Premier League this year. The way he picks up different areas at different times, it’s so good,” said James when asked about how his position has adapted.
James also stated how the temporary move back to the United Kingdom allowed him to be closer to his family: “I’ll forever be grateful for what they [Leicester] gave me.”
The aforementioned Fernandes emerged as an undeniable performer for West Ham when the club pushed the boat out for the £42 million signing. If the club are to replace the Portuguese adequately, looking no further than James should be the case.
