Janice R. Andrews
Jose Mourinho’s time as Tottenham Hotspur manager from November 2019 to April 2021 was a period of upheaval, marked by bold decisions and squad reshaping. Among his earliest moves was selling five players as he sought to imprint his style on the team. Here’s what happened to them after leaving Spurs.
1. Paris Maghoma
Maghoma, a Tottenham academy graduate, showed promise in the Premier League 2 before Mourinho approved his transfer to Brentford B in January 2020.
After gaining experience on loan at clubs like AFC Wimbledon, MK Dons, and Bolton, Maghoma earned his spot in Brentford’s senior squad. He made his Premier League debut in a 2024 match against Aston Villa and continues to thrive under manager Thomas Frank’s guidance.
2. Christian Eriksen
Eriksen, one of Tottenham’s finest playmakers, departed for Inter Milan in January 2020. At Inter, he secured silverware with a Serie A title in 2021.
Following a remarkable recovery from a cardiac arrest during Euro 2020, Eriksen returned to the Premier League with Brentford before joining Manchester United. Although his influence has waned in recent years, his career remains an inspiring story of resilience and exceptional skill.
3. Tashan Oakley-Boothe
Once a rising star in England’s youth ranks, Oakley-Boothe made his Tottenham debut in a League Cup victory over Barnsley in 2017. However, he failed to secure further opportunities and left for Stoke City in 2020.
After a brief stint at Blackpool, Oakley-Boothe moved to Portugal in 2023, signing with Estrela da Amadora in the Primeira Liga. He now looks to rebuild his career abroad.
4. Victor Wanyama
A fan favorite during his time at Spurs, Wanyama was known for his physicality and stunning goals. However, injuries hindered his later years, prompting Mourinho to sell him to CF Montreal in March 2020.
In MLS, Wanyama has flourished, becoming a key figure for Montreal. With over 130 appearances, he has surpassed his playing totals from clubs like Southampton and Celtic, reaffirming his reputation as a reliable professional.
5. Luis Binks
Binks raised eyebrows when he left Tottenham’s youth setup for MLS side Montreal Impact, then managed by Thierry Henry, in February 2020.
His bold move paid off, as it provided first-team experience at a young age. After loan spells in Europe with Como and Coventry City, Binks joined Coventry permanently in 2024, where he has become a regular in their Championship campaign.
Mourinho’s Impact on Spurs and Beyond
Though Mourinho’s spell at Tottenham is often remembered for its lack of silverware, his decisions shaped the careers of these former players. From Maghoma’s rise at Brentford to Wanyama’s resurgence in MLS, each has charted a unique path since leaving the club.
As Mourinho continues his managerial journey, his time at Spurs remains a testament to his ability to make bold moves that leave a lasting impact on both players and teams.
