Gedson Fernandes may return to parent club Benfica this January, having failed to make an impression at Tottenham Hotspur since joining last January.
Spurs manager José Mourinho says he is open to the midfielder departing his squad earlier than planned if Benfica want the player to return to Portugal.
Gedson Fernandes Could Finish Tottenham Loan in January
Fernandes Was Also Out of Favour in Portugal
21-year-old Fernandes was recently viewed as one of Europe’s hottest properties, but has seen his career stall over the last eighteen months. Prior to his arrival in the Premier League, the midfielder had fallen down the pecking order at Benfica amid concerns over his future.
Moving to North London club Spurs on an eighteen-month loan deal with the option to buy was seen as a potential lifeline for Fernandes, but he has failed to grasp the opportunity handed to him by Mourinho.
The Portugal under-21 international has only made 13 appearances for Spurs since his arrival. This season, he is yet to play in the Premier League, and has seen limited game time in the Carabao Cup.
Mourinho Relaxed Over Fernandes Speculation
Whilst he has admitted that the player leaving in January is an option, José Mourinho is equally willing to retain the services of Fernandes. The Spurs boss told Sport TV: “For me it is never a problem, but a solution. Having him in the squad, even if he is not called up and not playing, is an extremely comfortable situation.”
“I will never be the one to push him or say that I don’t want him here. But I understand the situation of the kid and Benfica. If the club wants to end the relationship here, we will be here to collaborate, because we want the good of the player. Benfica has the power to decide and will be accepted by us,” added the former Chelsea and Manchester United manager.
Since bringing Fernandes to the club in January 2019, Spurs have added a wealth of midfield options to their ranks. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has joined from Southampton, and Tanguy Ndombele appears to have reversed his fortunes under Mourinho. Giovani Lo Celso‘s gradual return to full fitness, along with game time afforded to Harry Winks, have restricted opportunities for the likes of Fernandes and Dele Alli.
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