Mourinho makes first Tottenham signing with option of permanent deal
Jose Mourinho has made his first signing at Tottenham as Benfica midfielder Gedson Fernandes has joined on an 18-month loan deal.
Spurs moved to sign the 21-year-old ahead of West Ham after he fell out of favour at Benfica. West Ham had been hopeful of landing Fernandes until late last week but he was then offered to Spurs by super-agent Jorge Mendes.
Sportsmail reported on Tuesday that Tottenham had agreed a long-term loan deal that includes an option to buy the Portugal international for Ā£56million.
On making the move to north London, Fernandes said: ‘It’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.’
Mourinho had been looking to bolster his Spurs side this month due to mounting injury problems in the first-team squad.
Tottenham lost midfielder Moussa Sissoko to a serious knee injury earlier this month while Tanguy Ndombele’s fitness is inconsistent.
Midfielders Eric Dier and Harry Winks have also suffered occasional setbacks.
As well as injuries in the midfield areas, Christian Eriksen’s future at the club remains uncertain.
Mourinho is also without star striker Harry Kane until April after having surgery to repair a ruptured tendon in his left hamstring.
Fernandes, who will wear the No 30 shirt for the remainder of the season, had fallen out of favour with Benfica head coach Bruno Lage this season.
When asked who he looked up to in football, the Portugal 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.
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‘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.’
Fernandes’ debut could come as early as this weekend – he is likely to be in the squad when Tottenham travel to play Watford in the Premier League on Saturday.