Bruno Fernandes to Tottenham is one of the stunning football transfers that never happened. Bruno Fernandes has revealed that he came “very close” to joining Tottenham Hotspur before eventually sealing his move to Manchester United in January 2020.
The Portugal international opened up about the failed transfer during an appearance on the popular podcast The Diary Of A CEO, where he explained how Tottenham had nearly completed a deal with Sporting CP months before Manchester United entered the picture.
The revelation has reignited conversations around one of the Premier League’s great “what if” transfer stories, especially considering how influential Fernandes has become at Old Trafford.
While the Fernandes to Tottenham move obviously didn’t materialize, the midfielder has since developed into one of the most important players in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era at Manchester United, captaining the club and consistently delivering goals, assists, and leadership during difficult seasons.
Fernandes to Tottenham deal was almost completed
According to Fernandes, Tottenham were aggressively pursuing him in 2019 as they searched for a long-term replacement for Christian Eriksen, whose time in north London was coming to an end.
At the time, Spurs were managed by Mauricio Pochettino and were fresh from reaching the UEFA Champions League final. The club viewed Fernandes as the ideal creative midfielder to help maintain their upward trajectory, therefore began negotiations to get Fernandes to Tottenham.
Fernandes admitted that discussions progressed significantly before Sporting ultimately blocked the transfer.
Speaking on the podcast, the midfielder explained:
“Yeah, I spoke with Tottenham, and we were very close to getting an agreement done.”
He added that Sporting changed their position late in the transfer window because they believed the club still needed him.
“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.’”
That decision changed the direction the Fernandes to Tottenham negotiations and ultimately the trajectory of Fernandes’ career entirely.
Just months later, Manchester United completed a £67.6 million move for the midfielder during the January 2020 transfer window, bringing one of Europe’s most productive playmakers to the Premier League.
Why Fernandes wanted a Premier League move
Fernandes also explained why he was so determined to secure a move to England.
The Portuguese midfielder described the Premier League as the ultimate destination for footballers growing up around the world, citing the competition level, packed stadiums, and elite quality as major attractions.
He said:
“I wanted to play in the Premier League because for me it is the best league in the world.”
Fernandes continued by explaining that Tottenham represented his clearest pathway to achieving that dream at the time.
“Obviously, Tottenham at the time was the option I had, and I was very, very happy to join them because they showed me the process that they were going through.”
Despite being open to the Spurs move, Fernandes admitted that Manchester United had always been his dream club in England.
That dream eventually became reality when United finalized the transfer in 2020 after months of speculation.
Fernandes became Manchester United’s key figure
Since arriving at Old Trafford, Fernandes has transformed Manchester United’s midfield and quickly became one of the club’s most important players.
The Portugal international immediately changed the team’s attacking output, bringing creativity, goals, and urgency to a struggling side.
Over the years, Fernandes has consistently produced elite numbers despite United’s instability both on and off the pitch. He has played under multiple managers and often carried the creative burden during inconsistent campaigns.
This season, Fernandes was named Premier League Player of the Season after recording eight goals and equaling the Premier League single-season assist record with 20 assists.
He also became the first Manchester United player since Nemanja Vidic in 2011 to win the award.
His performances helped Manchester United secure third place and qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League under manager Michael Carrick.
Fernandes responds to Roy Keane criticism
During the podcast interview, Fernandes also addressed criticism from former Manchester United captain Roy Keane.
Keane has frequently questioned Fernandes’ leadership style and emotional behavior on the pitch, often suggesting the midfielder does not display the qualities expected from a Manchester United captain.
Fernandes, however, insisted he has no problem with criticism as long as it remains truthful.
He said:
“I don’t mind criticism. I’ve always taken criticism from everyone and anyone.”
The midfielder then accused Keane of misrepresenting comments he allegedly made in previous interviews.
“What I don’t like is when people lie about things.”
Fernandes explained that he accepts differing opinions regarding his football or personality but dislikes having words put into his mouth.
“I accept his criticism, I accept that he might like me as a player or not. But what I don’t like is that he puts words in my mouth that have not been said.”
The exchange highlights the divided opinions Fernandes continues to generate despite his outstanding individual numbers and influence.
Fernandes to Tottenham: Spurs may regret missing transfer
Looking back now, Tottenham fans may wonder how different the club’s recent history could have been had the Fernandes to Tottenham transfer gone through.
Since Eriksen’s departure, Spurs have struggled at times to consistently replace his creativity in midfield. Fernandes, meanwhile, evolved into one of the Premier League’s most productive attacking midfielders almost immediately after joining Manchester United.
The Portuguese playmaker has repeatedly delivered in major moments and established himself among the league’s elite creators.
Watching the Fernandes to Tottenham move collapse, for Spurs, remains one of the biggest transfer near-misses in recent Premier League history.
Bruno Fernandes Manchester United future & World Cup goal
While the failed Fernandes to Tottenham move remains an intriguing story, Fernandes’ focus is now firmly on the future.
The midfielder is preparing to lead Portugal national football team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup before returning for another crucial campaign with Manchester United.
With Champions League football returning to Old Trafford and Carrick beginning his first full season as permanent manager, Fernandes is expected to remain central to the club’s rebuilding project.
And although the Fernandes to Tottenham story nearly became reality years ago, Manchester United supporters will be grateful it never happened.
