Real Madrid Eye West Ham's Fernandes Via Relegation Clause as Hammers Battle Relegation

West Ham's disastrous 2025/26 campaign has put several of their key assets at risk, with Real Madrid reportedly keeping close tabs on midfielder Mateus Fernandes should the club slip into the Championship.

The Hammers have endured a nightmare season, currently occupying 18th place with just four victories from 22 matches. The managerial merry-go-round saw them sack Graham Potter after a mere five games before turning to Nuno Espirito Santo, who has since steadied the ship somewhat—though his position remains precarious.

A crucial victory over Tottenham last weekend provided temporary respite after the Portuguese boss watched his side hand Wolves their first Premier League win of the campaign earlier in the month. Still, with the threat of the drop looming large, the prospect of a summer fire-sale grows ever more real.

According to reports, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has become aware of a relegation clause buried in Fernandes' contract worth approximately £20m. The 21-year-old Portuguese midfielder, who arrived from Southampton for around £40m last summer, has emerged as an unexpected target for Los Blancos, despite their preference for higher-profile options like PSG's Vitinha and Manchester City's Rodri.

Fernandes' situation mirrors his experience at Southampton, where he endured relegation before seeking a swift return to top-flight football. Should West Ham suffer the same fate, the midfielder would almost certainly pursue an exit rather than face another season outside the Premier League.

The leaked contract details have attracted interest beyond the Spanish capital. Both Manchester United and Manchester City are understood to be monitoring developments, with United also keeping watch on Wolves' Joao Gomes and having apparently tabled an offer for Al-Hilal's Ruben Neves.

Other West Ham stars face uncertain futures too. Jarrod Bowen's loyalty will likely be tested, while Lucas Paqueta has already signalled his desire to return to Brazil during the January window.

If Perez sets his sights on Fernandes, however, the Real Madrid chief has a well-documented habit of getting his man.