Gedson Fernandes becomes Mourinho's first signing at Tottenham

Posted Thursday, January 16, 2020 by ESPN

Tottenham have signed Benfica midfielder Gedson Fernandes on an 18-month loan deal, to become Jose Mourinho's first signing as manager.

A club statement read: "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."

"I'm very happy to be here today -- I make my dream a reality," Fernandes said.

"For me, it's one big dream to come to this big club. I will try to give my best for the club every day, in every training session and in every game and I will try to help the team wherever I can, working hard every day for this shirt.

"I have no words to say about the stadium. I've never seen anything like this -- it's unbelievable."

The 21-year-old reportedly chose to join Mourinho at Spurs ahead of London rivals West Ham, while Manchester United and Chelsea were also linked.

Capped twice by Portugal, Fernandes helped Benfica win the Portuguese Primeira Liga last season and leaves with them top this campaign.

He was also part of the Portugal squad that won the European Under-17 Championship in 2016.

Fernandes will offer Tottenham options in midfielder with Moussa Sissoko sidelined until April through injury.

"The Premier League is a different competition -- every player in the world wants to play in the Premier League," Fernandes added.

"For me, it's one more motivation because I always dreamed of playing in this league and now let's make my dream come true. I think we're going to do fantastic things because this is a fantastic club."