Two highly anticipated things that didn't happen this transfer window

The English transfer window has come to an end - and two transfers that were widely anticipated never came to fruition.

Bruno Fernandes was always expected to be making the move to the English Premier League. From even before the transfer window ever actually officially opened, his name was linked with moves to various clubs, both in England and elsewhere.

One frontrunner soon took the headlines for the rest of the summer - Manchester United. The Red Devils were linked to Bruno Fernandes virtually every day of the transfer window, a saga that just wouldn’t go away.

Fans were understandably excited about the potential acquisition of Sporting’s talisman and captain, considering he bagged a combiend 33 goals and assists in 33 Primeira Liga games.

But misinformation and rumours often got in the way of thr truth, and while Manchester United were obviously keen, no formal offer ever made it to Sporting CP.

Tottenham then entered the scene late, and with Jorge Mendes involved in his negotiations, a move to the North London club seemed more than feasible too.

That never materialised either though, meaning Fernandes is, quite incredibly, still on the books of Sporting.

He could still leave, of course, with the transfer window remaining open around the continent, but a move to England is at the very least on hold until January.

Moussa Marega, meanwhile, was also antitipcated to leave Porto this summer, heaving been informally promised that he could leave this summer to fulfil his long-term ambition of playing in the English Premier League.

He was very close to joining West Ham last summer, but Porto did not accept the offer to the disappointment of Marega.

He quickly got over it though, and had a very strong season for Porto in the end, safe in the knowledge that Porto wouldn’t block a move to England this time around.

No offers matching his release clause of 40 million euros came in though, meaning that he’s set to stay at Porto for the upcoming campaign.

Moussa Marega. Photo author: Антон Зайцев. License link.