‘I cried when my Tottenham transfer was cancelled – now I captain one of their rivals’

In the summer of 2019, Bruno Fernandes, one of the most talented playmakers in Europe, was on the verge of a transfer to Tottenham Hotspur. It was a move that could have shaped the future of both Tottenham and Fernandes. However, the deal fell through, leaving Fernandes devastated. The midfielder had been desperate to play in the Premier League, and when he learned that his dream transfer to Spurs had been cancelled, he reportedly cried in the office of the club’s chairman. At the time, Fernandes was playing for Sporting CP in Portugal, and his performances had caught the eye of top clubs across Europe, including Tottenham.

The deal was close to completion. Tottenham, fresh off a Champions League final appearance under manager Mauricio Pochettino, had identified Fernandes as a key player who could help them challenge for the Premier League title. It was a calculated move to bring in a player who could provide creativity and spark in the midfield. The transfer fee had reportedly been agreed, but the finer details of the deal could not be worked out. As a result, Fernandes remained in Portugal for six more months, frustrated and disappointed by the failed move.

Despite the setbacks, Fernandes’ career soon took another turn. In January 2020, after his move to Spurs fell through, Manchester United swooped in and secured his signature for £60 million. The rest, as they say, is history. Fernandes quickly became a key figure at United, playing a crucial role in transforming the team and establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s best midfielders.

Since joining United, Fernandes has made over 250 appearances, scoring 85 goals and providing 76 assists. He has become known for his fiery passion, leadership qualities, and his ability to dictate play in the middle of the park. His influence on the pitch is undeniable, and he is often regarded as one of the few players at United in recent years who would have fit seamlessly into the club’s title-winning teams of the past.

Fernandes’ rise at United has been nothing short of remarkable. He took over the captaincy from Harry Maguire at the start of the 2023-24 season, further solidifying his importance at the club. Despite United’s struggles under manager Erik ten Hag, Fernandes remained a consistent performer, showing resilience and leadership on the field. In the wake of United’s managerial changes, Fernandes even took responsibility for the team’s underperformance, acknowledging that the players themselves were partially to blame for Erik ten Hag’s sacking in October.

While his time at United has been a success, Fernandes has not forgotten about the failed move to Tottenham. For him, it remains a “sliding doors” moment in his career. Had the transfer gone through in 2019, it could have altered the course of both his career and Tottenham’s fortunes. Instead, Fernandes’ path led him to Manchester United, where he has established himself as one of the most influential players in the Premier League.

Looking back at the failed move, it seems that Tottenham’s loss was United’s gain. Tottenham’s chairman, Daniel Levy, is known for his tough negotiating tactics, and it’s been suggested that this may have contributed to the breakdown of the deal. One unnamed source from Tottenham’s camp commented that the situation felt “typical” at the time, as the club failed to get the deal done when it mattered most. This was not the first time Levy had been involved in a protracted transfer saga, and it would not be the last. A similar situation occurred with Luis Diaz in 2021 when Tottenham lost out to Liverpool in the race for the Colombian winger.

Despite this, the failure to secure Fernandes did not hinder Tottenham’s ambitions. The club went on to make other notable signings, but it’s clear that Fernandes would have added a new dimension to their squad had the deal been completed. Tottenham has since struggled to break into the Premier League’s elite, and the absence of a player like Fernandes in their midfield has been keenly felt.

For Fernandes, the decision to move to United has paid off. He has been part of a team that is in a constant state of transition, but his influence on the pitch has remained constant. His relationship with Erik ten Hag has been strong, and his fiery determination to succeed has made him a fan favourite. However, his role in United’s 3-4-2-1 formation under Ruben Amorim has been a topic of debate. Fernandes has been used in a variety of positions, including as a central midfielder in a double pivot or as one of the two attacking midfielders behind the striker. While neither role is a perfect fit for Fernandes, his ability to adapt and make an impact in various positions has been a testament to his versatility and quality as a player.

As Fernandes continues to play a pivotal role at Manchester United, he remains thankful for the opportunities that came his way. The failed move to Tottenham may have left him heartbroken at the time, but it ultimately led to a more fulfilling and successful chapter in his career. Today, Fernandes is regarded as one of the Premier League’s top midfielders, and his decision to move to Manchester United will undoubtedly go down as one of the most influential transfers in recent memory.

The story of Fernandes’ failed move to Tottenham is a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in football. What seemed like a devastating blow at the time ultimately paved the way for one of the Premier League’s most dynamic players to make his mark on English football. While Spurs may have missed out on a star player, Manchester United will always be grateful that the deal fell through.