Harry Diamond
Jose Mourinho has discussed Tottenham’s signing of Gedson Fernandes on what he describes as a ‘special loan’ from Benfica this month.
The Portugal international completed his move to the Premier League earlier this week, joining Spurs on an initial 18-month loan agreement with the option to secure his services on a permanent basis.
The arrival of the 21-year-old is a welcome boost for Mourinho and his injury-ravaged squad, the club having seen both Moussa Sissoko and Harry Kane ruled out for extended periods in recent weeks.
Fernandes is likely to go straight into the Spurs squad for this weekend’s trip to Watford, and Mourinho has discussed the ‘need’ to bolster his depleted options and the importance of signing the ‘multi-functional’ midfielder.
Speaking on Fernandes, the Portuguese told his pre-match press conference: “This weekend they can expect him to be involved, starting or not but for sure involved in the team.
“When you get players in January, normally it’s because you need. And we need, because we lost important players for long time so we need his contribution.
“Young player, yes, just arrived in a new country, yes, but at the same time has experience of playing for a big club.
“Has played already big matches, for instance Bayern Munich and Galatasaray away in the Champions League. Europa League quarter-finals, so he’s used to a high level of stress, pressure, responsibility.
“He’s a kid that can play different positions in midfield, even wide on the right if we need. We got him for his multi-functionality. He’s what I used to call a special loan. He’s not a three month loan and goodbyes. One-and-a-half year loan when he’ll have time to develop, and who knows if he doesn’t stay here for a number of years.”
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