Former Brazil striker Hulk has stated that he was close to joining Tottenham Hotspur a few years ago, but the move fell through due to issues with obtaining a work permit.

Hulk was one of Europe’s most feared forwards during his tenure at Porto, thanks to his fast pace, amazing strength, and prolific goal-scoring record.

The versatile striker, who could play as a number nine, ten, or right flank, was also a fixture in the Brazilian national team at the time, and it appeared that he would join one of Europe’s major clubs.

However, for whatever reason, such a deal never materialised, and the attacker instead chose to join Russian club Zenit Saint Petersburg in 2012 before joining Shanghai SIPG in the Chinese Super League in 2016.

Hulk was close to joining Mourinho’s Spurs.

Hulk has recently stated that he had an opportunity to move to the Premier League later in his career when Jose Mourinho approached him, but his move to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium fell through because he could not obtain a work permit.

The 37-year-old, who now plays for Brazilian club Atletico Mineiro, told Trivela: “Mourinho even contacted my agent about signing me to Tottenham, but they understood I couldn’t play in England. I received offers from Turkey, Portugal, and England.

“But I couldn’t play in England, because I’d been in China for four and a half years, and I couldn’t play in English football, because there’s a rule there that you have to be either in the Brazilian national team for a short period of time, or in the five leagues they select.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Tottenham most likely approached Hulk in January 2020, when Mourinho was dealing with a severe injury issue involving Harry Kane and a number of other forwards.