Speaking exclusively to HITC last week, Emile Heskey made it clear. If Tottenham Hotspur were thinking about bringing Marouane Fellaini back to the Premier League, they’d have to accept a backlash.
“They (the Spurs fans) won’t be happy!” the former Liverpool and England striker said.
“Because you’re going from Son (Heung-min), Harry Kane, (Sergio) Reguilon – players who are very technical and pleasing on the eye – to Fellaini.”
The phrase “pleasing on the eye” doesn’t go hand in hand with a 6ft 6in defensive-midfielder turned targetman.
Then again, Jose Mourinho isn’t a coach who cares much for aesthetics.
Perhaps the most damaging aspect of this short-lived transfer saga is that, when reports emerged via Voetbal24, no-one was surprised. Tired resignation felt like the most appropriate response.
Voetbal24 claims Fellaini plans to return to Europe after two years in China, with his Shandong Luneng contract due to expire soon.
Imagine a 33-year-old Fellaini trudging on to the pitch with Tottenham a goal down to Burnley, Wolves or West Brom. The mere thought of aimless punts launched miles over the heads of Gio Lo Celso and Tanguy Ndombele must have felt like the stuff of nightmares for fans pining for the glory days of Pochettino, Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen.
In many ways, the prospect of Fellaini at Tottenham is almost a parody of what Mourinho has become. The completion of his decline into a one-dimensional pragmatist whose every decision appears to be made with the intention of irritating Pep Guardiola.
So with Mourinho packing his bags and heading for the exit, sacked by chairman Daniel Levy just days before the Carabao Cup final meeting with Manchester City, we can draw a line under those Fellaini rumours. And not a moment too soon.
For many Tottenham supporters, this must feel like a lucky escape.
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