Jamie Redknapp tells West Ham they’ve finally struck gold in the transfer market and he’s right
West Ham United fans do not need reminding that the recruitment policy at the club has been flawed over the years, and that’s putting it mildly.
The sheer number of poor signings West Ham United have made over the years is staggering.
While West Ham’s numerous failed striker signings are what attract the most attention on that front, supporters have seen plenty of pointless additions over the years.
Still, credit where credit is due. The signing of Mateus Fernandes looks increasingly inspired right now.
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Indeed, Fernandes joined West Ham from Southampton for around £40million back in August and the 21-year-old has impressed this season.
He has played a big part in the recent revival under Nuno Espirito Santo, starring against Tottenham before producing a virtuoso display against Sunderland last time out.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Chelsea, pundit Jamie Redknapp was full of praise.
Jamie Redknapp praises West Ham for signing Mateus Fernandes
Fernandes had shown signs at Southampton during a miserable campaign on the south coast last season.
Still, no other Premier League club were as willing to take what was then a gamble by paying reasonably big money for the midfielder. Redknapp believes signing a player who has been relegated is a risk, too.
The move has worked out, to say the least. Fernandes is attracting huge interest in the transfer market, and can surely be sold on for a huge profit if the Irons remain in the Premier League.
When discussing the midfielder on Sky Sports, Redknapp said: “Recruitment hasn’t always been good at West Ham over these last few years, but I think he’s a good one.
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“It’s always difficult when you sign a player that’s been relegated, you don’t know how they’re going to come in, what it’s done to their confidence.
“What he’ll be desperate to happen is not two relegations in two years because he’s got a lot of ability. He’s technically good, he can score goals from distance, a lot of good attributes.
“I’ve been very impressed with him.”
How much money Mateus Fernandes is worth now?
There is certainly an argument to suggest that Fernandes looks like he’s worth around £100million when he’s at his best.
That is perhaps more of a reflection on the huge prices in the transfer market these days, but he’s surely comparable to the likes of Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba right now, both of whom have been talked about in that kind of bracket.
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If West Ham are relegated, it’s hard to see how they attract such a fee for him, given reports have claimed Fernandes has a £27million relegation release clause in his contract.
Still, based on pure quality alone – in this age of the transfer market – Fernandes is surely worth much more than that.
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