Mateus Fernandes confirms key reason he joined Tottenham after Manchester United transfer battle

Fernandes is the latest player to credit De Zerbi’s influence as being pivotal to why he joined Spurs, with the 21-year-old becoming the club’s fifth signing of the summer.

Spurs have been aggressive in the summer transfer window, and are also set to complete a deal worth up to £100m for Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali.

De Zerbi has been at the centre of these plans and has played a huge role in convincing the likes of Fernandes and Tonali to join Spurs despite successive 17th-place finishes in the Premier League.

"I'm very excited for this next step. Spurs is a massive club, and the head coach was a key part of why I have decided to join,” Fernandes said.

"When we spoke, it was very special. We look at football in the same way - going onto the pitch as a strong team, with fight and energy, to try and win every game. I can't wait to get started, to meet the fans, to meet everyone, and give everything for the club."

On Fernandes, De Zerbi praised his ability to perform under pressure and his Premier League experience, which has been a consistent theme of Spurs’ recruitment this summer.

"I've admired Mateus for a long time because he combines quality on the ball with the intensity and intelligence that are so important in the way we want to play,” De Zerbi added.

"Despite his age, he already has good experience in the Premier League and has shown quality and consistency at this level. Mateus is comfortable under pressure, can progress the ball, works hard for the team and has the courage to make things happen in difficult moments.

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