Revealed: Why Bruno Fernandes’ Stunning Tottenham Transfer Move Collapsed Before Manchester United Switch

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has revealed that he came incredibly close to joining Tottenham Hotspur before eventually sealing his blockbuster move to Old Trafford in 2020.

The Portugal international opened up about the failed transfer during an appearance on The Diary Of A CEO podcast, where he explained how Sporting CP pulled the plug on the deal at the final moment despite negotiations progressing rapidly.

At the time, Tottenham were searching for a long-term replacement for Christian Eriksen, whose future in north London was uncertain. Spurs identified Fernandes as their top target and reportedly moved close to completing an agreement before Sporting suddenly changed their stance.

“Yeah, I spoke with Tottenham, and we were very close to getting an agreement done,” Fernandes admitted. “Then, in the last two days of the market, Sporting just said, ‘We’re not going to sell him. We’re going to keep him because we need him.’”

The midfielder also admitted he was desperate to test himself in the Premier League, which he still considers the best and most competitive league in world football.

“Yes, because I wanted to play in the Premier League,” Fernandes explained. “For me it is the best league in the world. It’s the most competitive one. It’s the one that when you grow up, you dream to play in — full stadiums, top clubs, top players.”

Despite Tottenham’s strong interest, fate eventually led Fernandes to Manchester United six months later in a deal worth £67.6 million. The Portuguese playmaker quickly transformed United’s midfield and became one of the club’s most influential figures during a difficult post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.

Interestingly, Fernandes admitted he would have happily joined Spurs at the time because of the project they presented to him.

“Obviously, my dream club to play for in England was Manchester United,” he said. “But Tottenham at the time was the option I had, and I was very, very happy to join them because they showed me the process they were going through.”

Since arriving at Old Trafford, Fernandes has consistently delivered goals, assists and leadership despite Manchester United’s struggles for consistency. However, his emotional personality and leadership style continue to divide opinion among pundits — especially former United captain Roy Keane.

Fernandes also addressed recent criticism from Keane, accusing the club legend of unfairly misrepresenting his comments during television analysis.

“I don’t mind criticism,” Fernandes insisted. “I accept that he might like me as a player or not, like me as a person or not. But what I don’t like is that he puts words in my mouth that have not been said.”

The midfielder’s honesty and openness have once again sparked debate among football fans, especially those wondering how different Premier League history could have looked had Tottenham completed the transfer before Manchester United stepped in.

Instead of becoming a Spurs star, Fernandes has gone on to become one of the defining figures at Old Trafford — and arguably one of the Premier League’s most productive midfielders of the modern era.

For more exclusive football news, transfer updates and in-depth analysis, keep following Sports Market International — your trusted source for global sports stories.

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