Tottenham have announced the loan signing of Benfica midfielder Gedson Fernandes on an 18 month deal with an option to permanently buy the midfielder for £42.76m.
Fernandes, who has made 53 appearances in all competitions for Benfica and scoring three times, will wear the No 30 shirt for Spurs. The 21-year-old was part of the squad which won the Primeira Liga last season but has fallen out of favour with Benfica head coach Bruno Lage this season.
Fernandes has two caps for Portugal, making his debut in September 2018. The 21-year-old was previously linked with Chelsea, Manchester United and West Ham, who agreed a deal with Benfica for the younger midfielder before Jose Mourinho’s side hijacked the deal.
Chelsea offered an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy for £55m should Fernandes play at least 50 percent of games over the 18-month period, while West Ham are thought to have made a similar offer with an obligation to buy for £33m, with a lower percentage of appearances triggering the purchase, but Fernandes has opted to sign for Spurs.
Tottenham have confirmed the signing of Fernandes with a statement on their official website. It reads: “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.
“The midfielder will wear the number 30 shirt for the remainder of this season.”
Tottenham have been keen to bolster their midfield following an injury to Moussa Sissoko, who has been sidelined for three months after undergoing surgery to the medial collateral ligament in his right knee. He is set to miss three months.
Speaking on his move to north London, Fernandes said: “t’s one big dream to come to this big club.
“I will try and give my best for the club – every day, every training, every game for the shirt.
“Every player wants to play in the Premier League. I’ve made my dream come true.”
When asked who he looked up to in football, the Portuguese international said: “Cristiano [Ronaldo]. Because he’s a Portuguese player and he breaks all the records.
“He tries to win day by day so I will have to try and do the same thing.
“I know a little about Eric Dier because he played in Portugal. I know about the coach [Jose Mourinho] – young players want to play with him because he’s one of the best.”
