Portugal midfielder Gedson Fernandes became the first signing of the Jose Mourinho era at Tottenham on Wednesday as the manager bids to revive the club ’ s Premier League campaign .
The 21 - year -old signed an 18 -month loan deal with an option to make the transfer permanent for a reported £ 56 million ( $ 73 million ) .
Fernandes will provide vital cover in midfield following a three -month lay -off for Moussa Sissoko , who has had knee surgery .
“ 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, ” said a club statement .
Fernandes , capped twice at senior level , told Spurs TV he was looking forward to working with compatriot Mourinho.
“ 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. ”
“ I have no words to say about the stadium because it is fantastic, ” he added . “ I have never been or seen anything like this , It is unbelievable . ”
Fernandes was offered to Spurs by Mourinho’ s friend and super -agent Jorges Mendes and they beat off competition from West Ham, who were keen to bring him to London.
The potential reported fee would mark a huge mark -up from the 250 euros ( $ 278 ) and 25 footballs Benfica reportedly gave to Fernandes’ club , Frielas, when he was 10 .
Mourinho will be hoping that more arrivals may follow , particularly a striker following Harry Kane ’s potentially season-ending hamstring injury , with the club eighth in the Premier League, nine points behind fourth - placed Chelsea .
The club are understood to be interested in AC Milan ’s Krzysztof Piatek while Christian Benteke , Edison Cavani and even former striker Fernando Llorente have been linked .
There could also be departures at Spurs this month, with Kyle Walker -Peters hoping to join Crystal Palace on loan while the club are trying to offload Christian Eriksen in order to get a fee for him.
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