Tottenham have completed the signing of Benfica midfielder Gedson Fernandes on loan until the end of the 2020/21 season, at the end of which they will have the option to make the deal permanent.
The 21-year-old was previously linked with both Chelsea and West Ham before Spurs emerged as the frontrunners for his signature.
The deal to join José Mourinho at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is now confirmed, with a statement on the club's official website reading: "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.
🇵🇹 #BemVindoGedson 🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/ZibMjeBCJG
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 15, 2020
"The midfielder will wear the number 30 shirt for the remainder of this season."
It's thought Spurs opted to make their move after Moussa Sissoko underwent surgery on a medial collateral ligament injury, ruling him out for three months.
Chelsea were also thought to have been interested in Fernandes, but rumours of a 18-month loan bid, with an obligation to buy for around £55m, were evidently wide of the mark.
Tottenham's new signing may lack experience of playing in one of Europe's top five leagues, but has undoubted pedigree at international level. He's represented Portugal from Under-15 level through to the senior set-up, where he's made two appearances.
He had been a regular at Benfica last season, his maiden campaign, but dropped down the midfield pecking order after falling out with head coach Bruno Lage. Now, he will aim to resurrect his fledgling career in north London, where he'll be tasked with helping push Tottenham back towards the Champions League qualification places.
Source : 90min