David Moyes openly discusses West Ham target Gedson Fernandes

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West Ham manager David Moyes has confirmed that Benfica’s Gedson Fernandes is currently a target for the club, but admitted he could be one for the future.

Sky Sports have explained that the Hammers have agreed a deal in principle for the midfielder on an 18-month loan without an option to buy and Portuguese giants Benfica were weighing up the final conditions.

It is understood that West Ham had initially offered an 18-month loan with an obligation to buy for £33million.

The report also explains that Chelsea have offered an 18-month loan spell with an obligation to buy for £55million, but Benfica are leaning towards West Ham’s offer.

Fernandes is open to a move to the Premier League and it looks like a deal could be pushed over the line.

The 21-year-old is a skilful versatile midfielder that has a great dribbling technique and enjoyed a great season last year, but has not hit the same dizzy heights during this campaign.

Moyes has spoken openly about the Portuguese youngster in his Thursday press conference and mentioned his potential.

“Gedson Fernandes is one name we’re talking about. He’s a young player with potential, probably more for the future. From that point of view, I’d like to bring young players in for the future, players we can look to build to get a strong, young team, but I also have to be wary that I need players who are ready for now and can feature in the first team as well,” Moyes said, as quoted by the club’s official website.

TBR’s View:

It would be odd to sign Fernandes on an 18-month loan this January without any kind of option to buy, especially as West Ham see him as a long-term project.

Moyes’ comments suggest that the Benfica playmaker wouldn’t be ready to make an instant impact at the London Stadium and that shouldn’t feel supporters with a lot of confidence about a potential deal.