Spurs could send Fernandes back to Benfica in January window

James Holland
Fernandes

Spurs could send midfielder Gedson Fernandes back to Benfica in the January transfer window following the player’s slow start to the season, according to sources.

Fernandes has struggled to cement his place in the North London club’s first team and is now being linked with an exit.

He’s played just one cup game so far this season and is yet to appear in the Premier League in 2020/21.


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According to Portuguese outlet A Bola (via Goal), Spurs might be willing to let the player return to his parent club Benfica.

Fernandes is currently on an 18-month loan deal with Spurs after joining back in January. However, his disappointing form could see him leave England six months earlier than expected.

Fernandes has seen his route to the first team blocked by fellow midfielders Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Harry Winks and Tanguy Ndombele.

French midfielder Moussa Sissoko has also been preferred to the 21-year-old so far by manager Jose Mourinho.

Fernandes joined Spurs with plenty of potential after breaking into the first team at Benfica. He played 59 times in Portugal before making the big switch to the Premier League.

His loan deal reportedly includes a £56 million buy-out fee, which Spurs are now unlikely to activate.

Since January, he’s made just 13 appearances for Spurs and has failed to impress the fans during that time. He is yet to register a goal or assist for the side.

Adding to the player’s woes is the fact that he has been omitted from the team’s Europa League squad. The news means he will mainly have to rely on domestic cup competitions to impress Mourinho.

His time is decreasing though and it might not be long before he makes his departure from London.

Fernandes is not the only player to be rumoured with an exit from Spurs. Ndombele was thought to be on the brink of an exit after failing to play regularly, but Mourinho now seems to be putting more trust in the Frenchman.

Spurs’ next fixture is against LASK in the Europa League on Thursday evening.