When Southampton were relegated from the Premier League last season, it presented a prime opportunity for others to acquire our talent and West Ham took it, securing two of our most popular and consistent performers: the dynamic full-back Kyle Walker-Peters and the midfield powerhouse Mateus Fernandes.
Kyle Walker-Peters: The Consistent, Versatile Leader
Walker-Peters initially joined us in January 2020… and signed a permanent deal that summer for £12 million. An attacking full back, with a strong determination to hit the byline and whip crosses over, he also possesses a keen eye for goal. His only real weakness in defence was his height and also, at times, he could be caught high up the pitch when the opposition countered.
For us, he was a very consistent performer who never really went through a ‘bad period’ but instead showed a brilliant attitude in every appearance. He chose to stay with the club after relegation and was picked for the Championship Team of the Year. Kyle predominantly played at right back but after we signed Tino Livramento in 2021, he was frequently deployed in the left back position which he made his own…
Kyle’s relationship with the fans was very, very good. A leader on the pitch through his performances… he was always just a solid 7/8 out of 10 every week. I think Kyle will fit West Ham’s system well, he is comfortable in a back four or five… He will create chances and play with an energy that we have seen have a positive effect on the team and fans down at St Mary’s.
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Mateus Fernandes: The Workhorse with Drive
As for Mateus Fernandes, he joined Southampton from Sporting Lisbon in 2024 and made 39 appearances in our 24/25 relegation season. Matty was voted Fans’ Player of the Season alongside Players’ Player of the Season…
Like Kyle, Matty was consistent in delivering decent performances in a dreadful looking Southampton team and quickly established himself as a fans’ favourite. Matty does suffer sometimes from being slightly weaker on the ball but is great at getting out of tight spaces and driving forward, bringing others in to play. He can play as a six, eight or 10 but his best position is as an eight. An absolute workhorse of a player, his performances were, like Kyle, always around the 7/8 out of 10 mark.
Nuno’s Challenge and Potential
Fans were so unhappy with the change they chanted his name for the entirety of the second half, a moment which he has since told everyone will ‘stay with him forever’. Most Saints fans expected him to leave in the summer, but it was a surprise to all of us that he chose West Ham when at times clubs like Manchester United were linked.
Your incoming manager, Nuno, will have to take into consideration that Matty is not defensively minded – but it is worth it for his ability to progress play and unlock defences. He will need time to settle and can learn a lot from players such as Lucas Paqueta and I would compare him more recently to players such as Pablo Fornals.
Long term, if he can add goals to his game then he will become an established Premier League player… A very, very good signing for West Ham with massive potential.
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