Tottenham Hotspur has seen some of the game’s most iconic players wear white jerseys in North London, including Gareth Bale, Luka Modric, and Harry Kane.

However, some noteworthy players may have joined Spurs but did not do so for a variety of reasons.

Among these near-misses, Brazilian footballer Hulk ranks first.

The athletic centre-forward, known for his commanding presence and thundering shots, had the potential to leave an indelible mark on the Lilywhites.
Despite not playing in Europe’s top five divisions, Hulk earned a name for himself on the pitch due to his physicality and great talent.

However, the present Atletico Mineiro striker had the opportunity to play in the Premier League for none other than Tottenham Hotspur in 2021.

According to Brazilian source Trivela, Tottenham had the option to recruit Hulk during Jose Mourinho’s time in North London.

In a recent interview with GaloCast, as reported by the Trivela, the former Brazil international said that Mourinho indicated interest in bringing him to Tottenham.

“Mourinho even got in touch with my agent about taking me to Tottenham, but then they realised I couldn’t play in England.”

The Portuguese manager contacted Hulk’s agency, but the trade fell through since Hulk could not obtain a work permit to play in England.

After four and a half years in China, Hulk faced restrictions that prevented him from instantly playing in England’s top flight.

The 37-year-old added that in order to be eligible, players had to have represented the Brazilian national team or have played in one of five approved leagues.

Hulk would have been an excellent addition to Tottenham’s forward line under Mourinho, combining his muscular presence with the likes of Harry Kane and Son Heungmin.