De Zerbi’s Personal Touch Convinced Me To Join Tottenham, Says Fernandes

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Mateus Fernandes has revealed that manager Roberto De Zerbi played the decisive role in his £85 million summer move from West Ham, saying the Italian’s personal approach convinced both him and his family to choose the North London club.

Speaking to The Athletic, the Portugal international said De Zerbi spoke to him almost every day during the transfer negotiations and even reassured his parents by promising to act as “a second dad in England”.

Fernandes, whose £85 million move was briefly Tottenham’s record signing before Sandro Tonali arrived for £100 million later in the transfer window, said the manager’s commitment made all the difference.

“The way he spoke with me and my family was very important to me,” Fernandes said.

The midfielder admitted the conversations were particularly meaningful to his parents, who do not speak English, adding that De Zerbi’s willingness to communicate with them gave the family confidence in the move.

Fernandes endured successive relegations with Southampton and West Ham before enjoying an impressive 2025–26 campaign with the Hammers, scoring five goals and providing four assists in 39 appearances.

The 22-year-old also revealed that De Zerbi’s ambition to challenge for the Premier League title was a major factor in his decision to join Spurs, saying the Italian’s vision for the club convinced him that Tottenham was the right place to continue his career.