Tottenham Make Gedson Fernandes The First Signing Of The Mourinho Era
15th January 2020
The 21-year-old signed an 18-month loan deal with an option to make the transfer permanent for a reported £56 million ($73 million)
- Portugal midfielder Gedson Fernandes became the first signing of the Jose Mourinho era at Tottenham on Wednesday as the manager bids to revive the club's Premier League campaign
- Fernandes will provide vital cover in midfield following a three-month lay-off for Moussa Sissoko, who has had knee surgery
- Fernandes was offered to Spurs by Mourinho's friend and super agent Jorges Mendes and they beat off competition from West Ham, who were keen to bring him to London
LONDON, United
Kingdom- Portugal midfielder Gedson Fernandes became the first signing of
the Jose Mourinho era at Tottenham on Wednesday as the manager bids to revive
the club's Premier League campaign.
The 21-year-old signed an 18-month loan deal with an option
to make the transfer permanent for a reported £56 million ($73 million).
Fernandes will provide vital cover in midfield following a
three-month lay-off for Moussa Sissoko, who has had knee surgery.
"We are delighted to announce that we have reached
agreement for the 18-month loan of Gedson Fernandes from Benfica with an option
to make the transfer permanent," said a club statement.
Fernandes, capped twice at senior level, told Spurs TV he
was looking forward to working with compatriot Mourinho.
"All young players want to work with Jose Mourinho
because he's one of the best. All of us as players want to stay near the best,
so it’s fantastic to work with him."
"I have no words to say about the stadium because it is
fantastic," he added. "I have never been or seen anything like this,
It is unbelievable."
Fernandes was offered to Spurs by Mourinho's friend and
super agent Jorges Mendes and they beat off competition from West Ham, who were
keen to bring him to London.
The potential reported fee would mark a huge mark-up from
the 250 euros ($278) and 25 footballs Benfica reportedly gave to Fernandes'
club, Frielas, when he was 10.
Mourinho will be hoping that more arrivals may follow,
particularly a striker following Harry Kane's potentially season-ending
hamstring injury, with the club eighth in the Premier League, nine points
behind fourth-placed Chelsea.
The club are understood to be interested in AC Milan's
Krzysztof Piatek while Christian Benteke, Edison Cavani and even former striker
Fernando Llorente have been linked.
There could also be departures at Spurs this month, with
Kyle Walker-Peters hoping to join Crystal Palace on loan while the club are
trying to offload Christian Eriksen in order to get a fee for him.