Jose Mourinho ‘personally approves’ Fenerbahce signing player he ‘wouldn’t swap for Bruno Fernandes’
Jose Mourinho has reportedly endorsed his next signing for Fenerbahce, a player he previously rated more highly than Bruno Fernandes.Since taking over Fenerbahce this summer, Mourinho has been active in the transfer market but fell short of securing a Champions League spot after losing in the qualification rounds to Lille. Consequently, Fenerbahce will compete in the Europa League, and Mourinho is focused on bolstering his squad before the transfer deadline.
According to Turkish outlet Sporx, Mourinho is interested in signing Giovani Lo Celso from Tottenham to strengthen his midfield. Lo Celso, who made just four Premier League starts last season under Ange Postecoglou and faces increased competition with the arrival of Archie Gray from Leeds, has been offered to Fenerbahce.
Lo Celso is familiar to Mourinho from his time at Tottenham, where he made 52 appearances under him. Mourinho had previously indicated he wouldn’t trade Lo Celso for Fernandes, stating in 2020 that he valued Lo Celso highly, not just compared to Fernandes, but any player. He praised Lo Celso’s attitude and dedication, noting that he showed his worth without complaints.
With only a year left on his Tottenham contract, Lo Celso might be sold before the transfer window closes.Jose Mourinho’s reported interest in signing Giovani Lo Celso for Fenerbahce reflects his intent to strengthen the squad before the transfer deadline. Lo Celso, currently at Tottenham, has struggled for game time under Ange Postecoglou and is facing additional competition from new arrivals like Archie Gray from Leeds United.
Mourinho and Lo Celso have a history from their time together at Tottenham, where Mourinho highly rated the Argentine midfielder. In 2020, Mourinho even expressed that he valued Lo Celso more than Bruno Fernandes, highlighting his strong work ethic and dedication on the pitch. Given that Lo Celso has only a year left on his contract, Tottenham might be inclined to sell him rather than risk losing him for free next summer.
Fenerbahce, under Mourinho, narrowly missed out on Champions League football after losing to Lille in the qualification rounds. Now set to compete in the Europa League, Mourinho is keen on bolstering his squad, and Lo Celso could provide the creativity and midfield control that Fenerbahce needs. If the deal goes through, it would be a reunion for Mourinho and Lo Celso and a potentially significant addition for Fenerbahce.
