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

Bruno Fernandes, now a pivotal figure for Manchester United, reportedly broke down in tears when his much-anticipated transfer to Tottenham Hotspur fell apart during the summer of 2019.

The Portuguese playmaker, eager to showcase his talents in the Premier League, had hoped Sporting Lisbon and Spurs would finalize a deal. However, the failure to agree on the structure of the transfer left Fernandes devastated and delayed his move to England by six months.

At the time, Fernandes was regarded as one of Europe’s brightest playmakers. Tottenham, fresh off their Champions League final appearance under Mauricio Pochettino, identified him as a player who could elevate the club to title contention.

Reports suggest Spurs successfully negotiated a fee with Sporting, but disagreements over payment terms ultimately derailed the deal. This left Fernandes stranded in Portugal, despite his strong desire to make the move.

Sources close to Spurs revealed that Fernandes’ disappointment was palpable. According to an insider who spoke with the Daily Mail, Fernandes even cried in Sporting’s chairman’s office upon learning the transfer had fallen through. The source added, “That felt a bit typical at the time. When push came to shove, the club didn’t get it done. Then the same thing happened with Luis Díaz at Porto. He ended up at Liverpool.” These missed opportunities highlighted Spurs’ struggles to secure top-tier talent despite their ambitions.

Six months later, in January 2020, Fernandes joined Manchester United for £60 million, and his impact was immediate. He quickly became a fan favorite at Old Trafford, delivering consistent performances that revitalized the team.

His arrival marked a turning point for United, as he brought creativity, leadership, and a knack for scoring crucial goals. Since then, Fernandes has solidified his reputation as one of the Premier League’s elite midfielders.

Fernandes’ influence at United has been remarkable. Over 259 appearances, he has scored 85 goals and provided 76 assists, contributing significantly to the team’s success. His fiery personality and outspoken leadership have made him a divisive figure among rival fans but endeared him to the United faithful.

He is often viewed as one of the few players capable of fitting into the Premier League-winning teams of recent years, despite United’s struggles to reclaim their former glory.

In the summer of 2023, Fernandes was named Manchester United captain, succeeding Harry Maguire. Under Erik ten Hag, he proved to be one of the team’s most reliable performers, forming a strong rapport with the Dutch manager.

When Ten Hag was sacked in October 2024 following a series of disappointing results, Fernandes took responsibility, urging his teammates to reflect on their roles in the manager’s departure. His accountability and leadership further underscored his importance to the squad.

Despite his success, Fernandes’ career trajectory could have been vastly different had the Tottenham move materialized. Spurs’ inability to secure the deal became a “sliding-doors moment,” shaping Fernandes’ legacy at United. While Tottenham struggled to capitalize on their potential during that period, Fernandes thrived at Old Trafford, becoming the cornerstone of their midfield and a symbol of their ambitions.

Ruben Amorim, Sporting’s current manager, has since experimented with Fernandes in various roles, including as a central midfielder in a double pivot and as one of two attacking midfielders behind a lone striker. While neither position seems an entirely natural fit, Fernandes’ versatility ensures he remains indispensable. His tactical adaptability and consistent performances highlight his value, even as United continue to refine their approach.

For Fernandes, the failed move to Tottenham may serve as a reminder of how close he came to a different path. However, his subsequent success at Manchester United has firmly established him as one of the best players in the Premier League over the past five years.

His ability to overcome setbacks and thrive on the biggest stage is a testament to his resilience, determination, and undeniable talent. As he continues to lead United, fans can only speculate on what might have been had Spurs managed to complete the deal back in 2019.