Benfica midfielder Gedson Fernandes is set to join Tottenham on an 18-month loan with an option to make the deal permanent. The Portugal international expected in London on Monday ahead of his medical with Jose Mourinho’s side.
FutballNews understands that the deal will be a loan until 2021, when Spurs will have the option to make the deal permanent and will pay between €50m and €60m. Fernandes is also said to be ready to agree personal terms with Spurs ahead of the proposed move.
Tottenham made their move last Thursday after Fernandes’ representatives had held talks with West Ham and Everton. The 20-year-old Portugal international has not played in any of Benfica’s last nine games after reportedly been out of favour and to have fallen out with head coach Bruno Lage.
Tottenham have been struck down by injuries in recent weeks, with a lack of quality central midfielders also proving to be a problem for Jose Mourinho.
Moussa Sissoko is out until April with an injury he picked up during the 1-0 loss at Southampton, while Harry Winks was overrun against Liverpool thanks to a combination of Mourinho’s chosen formation and the Reds’ energetic playing style.
However, whether 21-year-old Fernandes will slot straight into central midfield remains to be seen, given that he has played on the right wing and in the hole during his nine appearances in all competitions this campaign.
Recall that Fernandes’ representatives were in the UK attempting to broker a loan deal in the January transfer window with a £34m option to buy with interested parties. The player is keen to play in England after discussing the move with his family over the festive period.
Sky Sports reports that Benfica have conceded they will not get Fernandes’ release clause of £102m met by any club for an out-of-favor player. The club, however, is keen to get rid of Fernandes who grew through the ranks at the club in January.
West Ham and Benfica have been in continued negotiations over the signing of Fernandes, with the Hammers’ latest offer believed to be an 18-month loan with an obligation to buy for £33m. However, West Ham’s percentage of games that would trigger the sale is less than Chelsea’s and the final decision on where the 20-year-old will end up rests with Benfica and the player himself.
It is understood that discussions are underway over a possible 18-month loan deal which would include an option to buy, with David Moyes looking to make his first signing since returning to the club last weekend.
Speaking in his press conference last week Friday, Moyes said: “I don’t think I would go so far as to say we are in deep talks. He is a name mentioned alongside many. I wouldn’t go as far as that.
“He comes into the category. We want to add a player in that department. If we can add one to the group that will help us.”
