‘We want the best for the player’ – Mourinho admits deal could be terminated in January

Jose Mourinho has admitted that Gedson Fernandes’ loan could be cut short and that the midfielder could return to Benfica.

Fernandes joined Spurs last January on an 18-month loan deal with an option to buy for £46m but he has not made the impact he would have hoped for in North London.

The Portugal Under-21 international has not managed to have a consistent run in the side since arriving.

His only appearance so far this season came in the Carabao Cup fourth-round clash against Chelsea, which Tottenham won on penalties.

Less than twelve months into his 18-month loan deal, Mourinho has now confirmed that Tottenham will be willing to send Fernandes back to his parent club if Benfica want him back.

However, he admitted that he would like to keep him around as an additional option.

When asked about the 21-year-old’s situation, the Tottenham boss told Sport TV (as relayed by The Daily Express): “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.”

Spurs Web Opinion

With Oliver Skipp out on loan, we will have just four players for the two central midfield positions if Fernandes is to leave. So, we could potentially be left a little short in case of injuries. However, it is clear that the Portuguese midfielder is unlikely to get a look-in unless there is an injury crisis in the squad. With rumours of us being in the market for another central midfielder in January, I would not be surprised if his loan deal is cut short.

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