‘Nowhere near’ – Russell Martin’s one-sentence Mateus Fernandes transfer warning says it all

Portuguese youth ace Fernandes, 20, arrived at St Mary's from Ruben Amorim's Sporting CP for a modest initial fee of around £15million in August. Fernandes has already become a star in the Saints side, starting each of the last seven Premier League matches for new boss Martin. Interest in him was such that when Saints landed his signature, a club source claimed scouts of other Premier League outfits communicated their surprise. Fernandes penned a five-year deal, keeping him under contract on the South Coast until 2029, and scored his first goal at Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup. Emerging academy star Tyler Dibling has stolen most of the headlines at just 18 years old, with top clubs in the Premier League admiring his first starts. However, Fernandes is equally likely to have caught the eye of recruitment teams. Martin is one step ahead and has already sent out a warning. He was asked about the youngster's contribution in Saturday's 1-0 win over Everton, in which Fernandes played an integral role in the counter-attack winner. "Amazing player. Brilliant. Top young man. Top talent but nowhere near ready to play for anyone else, he needs a good couple of years here for us first," he quipped. Mateus Fernandes vs Everton #SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/bL2yL2JROC — £🇨🇲 (@SotonWill) November 3, 2024 Fernandes averages 9.1 attacking duels per 90 minutes this season, which ranks him as 22nd of all players in the Premier League. He ranks 24th in progressive runs averaging more than two a match and his 64.7 per cent defensive duel success rate is seventh best of players his age. Southampton's transfer policy means they have to be open to selling some of their players for inflated fees when the time is right. Ultimately, they have signed some of the hottest prospects in Europe over the last few years in the likes of Fernandes, Romeo Lavia and Tino Livramento. The latter two combined sold for more than £80million to clubs competing in Europe and it does not represent a failure of ambition, providing it is reinvested. Being able to demonstrate a pathway to young talent is integral to convincing them to take what they may perceive as a risk and join Saints in the first place. But Martin has been steadfast in his demand that signings coming to St Mary's must want to play for Saints and not see the club as a stepping stone. "We won’t just sign players who want to play in the Premier League and earn lots of money, there is a balance to be had," said Martin this summer.  “So far, we have signed players who are desperate to be here and don’t just see this as a place where they can come to earn a move to another club." Beating relegation and surviving in the Premier League will be the most certain way to guarantee the future of the side's best players. The offer of the Premier League's demand, exposure and wages in addition to the club's cash flow is the best way to keep the likes of Fernandes.