West Ham consider Dan Neil move to support Mateus Fernandes

Despite a difficult season overall, West Ham United have found a genuine positive in midfield through the form of Mateus Fernandes.

The 21-year-old has been one of the Hammers’ most consistent performers, underlining his importance again by scoring in the recent win over Sunderland. That result delivered consecutive league victories and reinforced Fernandes’ growing influence at Premier League level.

His performances have not gone unnoticed either. Reports have linked Fernandes with interest from elite European clubs, including Real Madrid, although West Ham remain hopeful of retaining one of their standout talents.

With that in mind, the club are looking at ways to strengthen around him.

West Ham are expected to be active in the closing stages of the January window as they battle to secure Premier League survival. A deal for Adama Traoré is edging closer, but recruitment may not stop there.

According to Football Insider, West Ham have also made an approach for Dan Neil ahead of their recent meeting with Sunderland. The midfielder was notably absent from that fixture, with reports suggesting the Black Cats are prepared to sell rather than lose him for free when his contract expires in the summer.

At this stage, no fee has been disclosed, though Sunderland are unlikely to demand a figure that would stretch West Ham’s budget.

Neil has struggled for minutes this season under Régis Le Bris, featuring just three times in the league and playing a total of 13 top-flight minutes. His only full appearance came in the Carabao Cup, where he captained Sunderland against Huddersfield.

However, that limited involvement should not overshadow his contribution last season.

Neil was a central figure in Sunderland’s promotion campaign, playing 44 Championship matches and helping drive them through the play-offs. His influence was particularly evident in the underlying numbers, where he ranked among the division’s most effective ball-winners.

During the 2024–25 Championship season, Neil recorded:

Teammate Romaine Mundle previously described him as a “quality” player — a view backed up by those metrics.

For West Ham, the appeal is obvious. Fernandes has been excellent going forward, contributing five goals and assists across 21 league appearances, while also holding his own defensively with an average of 6.05 duels won per 90 minutes.

Adding a natural ball-winner like Neil alongside him could allow Fernandes greater freedom to push forward and influence games higher up the pitch. The Portuguese midfielder is already creating 1.23 chances per match, and reducing his defensive load could help unlock even more of that attacking output.

Neil’s presence would not only add steel to midfield but also provide balance — something West Ham have often lacked during difficult spells this season.

Neil’s lack of minutes this season has more to do with competition than ability, and a move could suit all parties. For West Ham, it represents a low-risk opportunity to strengthen a key area without heavy financial commitment.

With time running out in the window, this is a deal that makes sense — and one that could quietly improve the Hammers’ midfield structure if completed.