Football: Tottenham loans Gedson Fernandes from Benfica

Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho makes his first signing at the club with Gedson Fernandes. The 21-year old Portuguese midfielder has signed on an 18-month loan deal from Benfica, with an option to buy to make the transfer permanent.

Produced by the academy of Liga NOS side Benfica and debuting professional football last season the central-midfielder played in 42 games through all competitions in 2018/19, scoring 3 and assisting 6 goals. However, Fernandes only appeared in 10 official matches due to injuries this season, assisting once in the Portuguese cup. The young prospect suffered from a metatarsal fracture, missing out on 7 games. The two time Portuguese international also only managed to play three 90 minute games this season.

The new Spurs transfer is currently valued at £13.5m and will wear the number 30 shirt.

Achievements of Gedson Fernandes:

• 2018/19 Portuguese champion
• European U17 champion
• Primeira Liga’s Best Young Player of the Month August (2018/19)

When asked about why he chose Spurs he revealed:

“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.

“The Premier League is a different competition – every player in the world wants to play in the Premier League. For me, it’s one more motivation because I always dreamed of playing in this league and now let’s make my dream come true. I think we’re going to do fantastic things because this is a fantastic Club.”

With Moussa Sissoko being out until April and Tanguy N’Dombele facing fitness problems, Mourinho suffers from an injury crisis at his new team. Many Spurs fans want to see a versatile midfielder who will solidify their midfield. Will his fellow countryman be the key to resolving Tottenham’s increasing issues in midfield?

By Yigit Sertoglu