In a twist of fate, Joao Moutinho could have been playing for Tottenham Hotspur instead of becoming a Wolves icon. The Portuguese midfielder was just minutes away from signing for Spurs in 2012, but a deal ultimately fell through due to issues with third-party ownership.
Moutinho revealed in a 2016 interview with Sky Sports that he was close to joining Spurs, who were looking to replace Luka Modric with a new signing. A report from the Guardian at the time stated that Moutinho was Andre Villas-Boas’ preferred target, and a deal worth over £20 million was almost agreed upon.
However, the transfer ultimately collapsed due to a dispute over third-party ownership. Porto, Moutinho’s club at the time, had sold a portion of his economic rights to an investor, which complicated the transfer. The Premier League’s rules against third-party ownership meant that the investor had to be bought out before the deal could be finalized, but an agreement couldn’t be reached.
Fast-forward to 2018, and Moutinho joined Wolves for £5 million from AS Monaco. Despite being 31 at the time, he quickly became a key player for the club, impressing with his technical quality and availability. He made 212 appearances for Wolves, forming a strong midfield partnership with Ruben Neves.
Moutinho’s impact on the club was significant, helping Wolves qualify for the Europa League and becoming a fan favorite. Even Wolves boss Vitor Pereira has praised Moutinho, calling him one of the best players he’s ever coached. Now, as Wolves face off against Tottenham this weekend, Moutinho may be watching from afar, reflecting on what could have been if he had joined Spurs all those years ago.
