Fernandes back at Everton on loan
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Article summary
Manuel Fernandes will spend a second loan spell at Everton FC, five months after a prospective permanent move fell through and he joined Valencia CF instead.
Article body
Manuel Fernandes is beginning a second loan spell at Everton FC, five months after his prospective permanent move to Goodison Park fell through and he joined Valencia CF instead.
Back on loan
The Portuguese international rejoins Everton at least until the end of the season, with David Moyes's team having the option of signing Fernandes outright in the summer. The 21-year-old midfielder has failed to win a regular place at Mestalla following his €18m arrival from SL Benfica in late August, and Valencia coach Ronald Koeman was happy to return him to Everton.
Limited chances
While he featured three times in the UEFA Champions League group stage for the Spanish side, his Primera División experience has been limited to five starts and two substitute cameos. By contrast, Fernandes made nine Premier League appearances for the Merseysiders last spring, scoring two goals including a memorable strike against Manchester United FC. It was his second loan stay in England last season, after Benfica – the Lisbon-born player's parent club – had sent him to Portsmouth FC during the autumn of 2006. Fernandes, who represented Portugal at last summer's UEFA European Under-21 Championship, has three senior caps.
