West Ham midfielder Edimilson Fernandes has agreed terms with Bundesliga side Mainz, according to The Sun.
The national newspaper claim that the 23-year-old midfielder is heading to join the German club in an £8million deal.
The Sun report that Mainz have moved swiftly to secure Fernandes’ signature after he impressed in his 2018/19 campaign on loan at Fiorentina.
It is believed that Fernandes’ exit will pave the way for Manuel Pellegrini to move for a defensive midfielder, with Andre Gomes being his No.1 target.
Good move for West Ham?
Yes to a degree.
While Fernandes is still young after spending the latest season out on loan, it’s clear he is not part of Pellegrini’s plans for the club; therefore it’s better off for all parties that he is sold.
The 6ft 3in tall midfielder (Source: Transfermarkt) featured 33 times for Fiorentina in his 2018/19 campaign and by all accounts impressed.
This means there is a chance that the Hammers could one day end up regretting letting Fernandes go, but there’s always a risk when selling young players.
However when you consider that Fernandes’ did have an injury-hit 2017/18 campaign, as shown by Transfermarkt, perhaps it’s a gamble worth taking.
This Is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
The Sun’s report makes it sounds like the deal is all but officially done, so West Ham fans should prepare to say goodbye to Fernandes.
The midfielder joined the Hammers in 2016 and managed to make 48 appearances, so some supporters are bound to have found memories of him.
It’s hard to see a reason why this deal would fall through, the only thing that might throw a spanner in the works is if Fiorentina make a last-ditch effort to sign him permanently.
This Is Futbol rating: 9/10