Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur

Premier League • England

Former Tottenham man braced for Prem return with London rival to gamble on now ‘indispensable’ star

Former Tottenham stars Toby Alderweireld and Gedson Fernandes alongside Davinson Sanchez

A midfielder who flopped at Tottenham could be given a second shot at the Premier League after a report revealed a London rival are mulling a sizeable move.

The first signing Jose Mourinho made as Tottenham boss back in the winter window of 2020 was a surprising one. Indeed, Spurs landed Giovani Lo Celso and Steven Bergwijn that month, though the pair arrived two weeks later than Gedson Fernandes.

The Portugal international, now 24, arrived on an 18-month loan. However, Fernandes failed to ignite during his 12 appearances that term and was recalled six months early by Benfica a year later.

Since then, Fernandes signed for Turkish heavyweight Besiktas where by all accounts, he’s been a roaring success.

Turkish outlet Fanatik describe him as ‘indispensable’ at Besiktas and claim he’s become a ‘darling’ of the club’s fans.

However, according to the report, a move back to the Premier League – and specifically back to London – could await.

Fanatik state Fernandes has a ‘surprise suitor’ in the form of Crystal Palace.

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The currently managerless Eagles have become embroiled in a battle to stave off relegation. Patrick Vieira paid for a truly dismal run of form in 2023 with his job, though if Palace do survive, a move for Fernandes could take shape.

It’s claimed the Eagles are ‘preparing to make attempts’ to sign Fernandes who’s increasingly become a leader at Besiktas.

The outlet add Fernandes’ current contract contains a clause that’ll see former club Benfica receive 50 percent of the sell-on fee.

That won’t prevent Besiktas from cashing in, though it’s acknowledged they’ll only do so if a lucrative offer is tabled. That makes perfect sense given they’ll only get to keep half of the sum.

Besiktas signed Fernandes for around €6m (approx. £5.25m) in 2022. As such, to generate a small profit, they’d need Palace to bid at least £11m.

Fernandes plays predominantly in central midfield and that’s a position Palace are poised to become a man lighter at season’s end. Loanee Albert Sambi Lokonga will return to Arsenal once the campaign concludes with no option to buy negotiated into his deal.

Fanatik add Crystal Palace aren’t the only Premier League side showing interest in bringing Fernandes back to England. However, the identities of the other would-be suitors are not revealed in the piece.

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