Campbell eventually left Tottenham in 2001 when his contract expired to join Arsenal.
Associate Editor
2 MIN READ
Sol Campbell
Sol Campbell
Campbell ended up leaving Spurs for rivals Arsenal
Sol Campbell has revealed how a potential transfer to Manchester United during his time at Tottenham was sensationally "blocked," altering the trajectory of his career.
Campbell shared how Manchester United legend Gary Neville personally called him in an attempt to persuade him to join the Red Devils. However, former Tottenham co-owner and chairman Alan Sugar is said to have intervened to prevent the move.
According to Campbell, this interference played a part in his decision to make one of the Premier League’s most controversial transfers - moving to Tottenham’s fierce rivals, Arsenal.
Even now, Campbell’s switch to Arsenal is regarded as one of football’s most shocking betrayals, with Spurs fans continuing to brand the former defender as ‘Judas.’
“You [Neville] called me! I remember, I was having an afternoon nap, and the phone call came through, and Gary asked me if I fancied United,” he said on the Stick to Football podcast. “I must have been about 21 then… it did go further, but Sugar blocked it.”
When asked about his relationship with Lord Sugar, Campbell avoided giving a direct answer but hinted at tensions during his time at the club. “A lot of players have had difficult times with him,” he added.
Campbell eventually left Tottenham in 2001 when his contract expired, turning down the club’s record-breaking salary offer to join Arsenal. His decision to move across North London sparked outrage among Spurs fans, cementing his reputation as a traitor in their eyes.
Had Campbell joined Manchester United in the mid-90s, Spurs might have avoided the heartbreak of losing him to their fiercest rivals. However, Sir Alex Ferguson’s interest in the defender seemingly coincided with a transitional period for United’s backline. At the time, Steve Bruce was nearing the end of his career, and Ferguson opted to bring in David May and, later, Ronny Johnsen to partner Gary Pallister in central defence.
As it turned out, Campbell went on to achieve immense success with Arsenal, winning two FA Cups and two Premier League titles. He was a key figure in the iconic 'Invincibles' team that completed an unbeaten league campaign in 2003/04.
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