GEDSON FERNANDES has completed his 18-month loan move to Tottenham.
The Portuguese playmaker is Jose Mourinho’s first signing at Spurs as the Special One turns to his homeland for reinforcements.
Gedson Fernandes has joined Spurs as Jose Mourinho looks for options in midfieldCredit: Getty – Contributor
Fernandes, 21, had fallen out of favour at Benfica this season and there is a £50million option to buy included in his contract.
After signing his contract, he said: “Every player wants to play in the Premier League and that is a big motivation for me – it’s a dream come true.
“I know the squad because I’ve watched some games, I know Sissoko and Eric Dier because he played in Portugal.
“All young players want to work with Jose Mourinho because he’s one of the best – it’s fantastic.”
Fernandes already has family in London after they moved from Portugal in search of work.
And he cites former Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo as one of his heroes.
He added: “I look up to Cristiano (Ronaldo), he’s Portuguese and he’s breaking all the records, I will try to follow his example.”
Gedson, who will wear No30, has two Portugal caps and despite failing to nail down a first-team spot at Benfica is being tipped for greatness.
He will hope to make an immediate impact at Spurs, who are struggling to keep pace with their top-four rivals after winning just one of their last five league games.
The wonderkid did play a significant role as his side won the Primeira Liga in 2019.
Mourinho has already spent £138m on Benfica stars down the years – and that tally is set to get close to £200m with his Fernandes signing.
Angel Di Maria, Victor Lindelof, Nemanja Matic and Fabio Coentrao all moved from the Portuguese outfit to teams with the ex-Benfica boss the helm.
Gedson Fernandes is looking forward to testing himself in English footballCredit: Getty – Contributor
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk