Mateus Fernandes is in demand after being a star player for West Ham United this season. If he moves on, then Malik Tillman of Bayer Leverkusen could replace him.
Fernandes has scored four goals with three assists in 33 games from midfield for West Ham this season after joining from Southampton. The Portuguese could not prevent the Saints from being relegated in the last campaign, but has helped give the Hammers a good chance of staying up.
West Ham are currently 17th in the Premier League, but only two points ahead of Tottenham Hotspur, who occupy the last relegation place.
The midfielder's form has led to him earning his debut for Portugal. He replaced Bruno Fernandes with five minutes to go in a friendly against the United States during the recent international break. It would not be a surprise if Fernandes is part of Roberto Martinez's roster for the World Cup this summer.
Fernandes is subject to interest from Manchester United, and he is now also being linked with Paris Saint-Germain. It could be difficult for West Ham to keep the player even if they keep their top-flight status.
Who could replace Mateus Fernandes at West Ham?
It is right that West Ham are already looking at replacements for Fernandes if he moves on this summer. Ekrem Konur posted on X: "Malik Tillman is open to leaving Leverkusen for a PL move. Interest → Fulham, Brentford, Bournemouth and West Ham. Situation → Contract until 2030; deal likely requires €35M+ bid. FC Bayern→ €35M buy-back clause could complicate negotiations."
Tillman has been a key player for Bayer Leverkusen this season. In 37 games in all competitions, he has scored eight goals and provided one assist. He has helped Leverkusen to a current sixth place in the Bundesliga and reach the DFB-Pokal semi-finals, where they face Bayern Munich tonight. His Leverkusen side also reached the Champions League round of 16 before losing to Arsenal.
The USMNT international is more of an attacking midfielder than Fernandes. However, Tillman can also play centrally and on the wing. He began his career at Bayern but played only seven games for them. He was sent on loan to Rangers, and then PSV Eindhoven, before joining the Eredivisie side permanently prior to joining Leverkusen.
Tillman has 28 caps for the USMNT, where he has scored three times and provided four assists. He will be looking forward to being a part of Mauricio Pochettino's roster for the World Cup, which his country is co-hosting this summer.
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