JUST IN: Aston Villa Targets Southampton Ace Mateus Fernandes – But Could Be in a Race with Leeds United….
Aston Villa have entered the summer transfer window with renewed ambition, and their latest target has turned heads across the Premier League and Championship. The Birmingham-based club is reportedly eyeing Southampton’s rising star, Mateus Fernandes, as Unai Emery looks to bolster his midfield ahead of a crucial campaign both domestically and in Europe. However, they may not have a clear path to the Portuguese midfielder’s signature, as Leeds United are also firmly in the hunt.
Fernandes, 20, has emerged as one of Southampton’s brightest young prospects since arriving from Sporting CP in 2022. Known for his technical vision, quick passing, and work rate, the central midfielder has impressed both fans and scouts with his maturity beyond his years. His versatility in midfield — being able to play as a deep-lying playmaker or a more advanced No. 8 — makes him an attractive proposition for clubs seeking to add creativity and control to their engine room.
Aston Villa’s interest comes as no surprise. Emery is seeking to strengthen his squad for a demanding season that includes their Premier League campaign, domestic cup competitions, and European football following their qualification for the UEFA Europa Conference League. While Villa’s midfield already boasts quality names such as Douglas Luiz, Boubacar Kamara, and Youri Tielemans, Fernandes is viewed as a long-term investment who can grow into a top-tier Premier League midfielder.
However, Leeds United’s involvement could complicate matters. Daniel Farke’s side, eager to make a swift return to the Premier League following their relegation last season, is looking to bring in players who can both make an immediate impact in the Championship and adapt quickly to top-flight football should they earn promotion. Fernandes, with his technical ability and high ceiling, fits that bill perfectly. Leeds are believed to be considering Fernandes as a central piece of their rebuild, which already includes securing younger, hungry talents who can thrive in a pressing, possession-based system.
Southampton, for their part, are in a strong negotiating position. The Saints are not under immediate pressure to sell Fernandes, who still has multiple years left on his contract. Manager Russell Martin is believed to value the youngster highly and may be reluctant to lose him unless a significant offer comes in. That said, with Southampton themselves aiming to mount a promotion push, they will be wary of losing such an influential player to a direct Championship rival like Leeds.
Financially, Aston Villa have the upper hand. Backed by ambitious owners and boosted by recent successes under Emery, they could offer a package — both in transfer fee and wages — that Leeds might struggle to match. Villa’s European football could also be a major selling point, offering Fernandes a platform to test himself against continental opposition at an early stage in his career. Leeds, however, may be able to tempt him with guaranteed regular playing time and the promise of being a central figure in their immediate promotion project.
With the transfer window still open for several weeks, the race for Mateus Fernandes is expected to intensify. It could come down to whether the player values top-flight football and European exposure at Villa or sees himself as the heartbeat of a resurgent Leeds side looking to fight their way back into the Premier League.
For now, Aston Villa and Leeds United remain locked in a battle of ambition, strategy, and persuasion. Whichever club secures Fernandes’ signature will not only be landing a player with immense potential but also making a statement about their intent for the season ahead. One thing is certain — the Mateus Fernandes saga is just getting started, and fans of both clubs will be watching closely to see where this talented young midfielder’s future lies.
If you’d like, I can also prepare a sharper, tabloid-style version of this news so it reads more like a transfer gossip scoop.