Sergio Reguilon had no alternative but to move to Brentford after receiving unexpected news from his manager that left him with no future at Tottenham.
The Spanish defender, now 29, was perplexed when Ange Postecoglou informed him he had no place in the club’s plans just before the 2023/24 campaign got underway. Reguilon maintained he had received assurances he would be involved during pre-season preparations, only for the Australian to change course dramatically and instruct him to seek employment elsewhere.
The former Spain international was devastated and had little option but to explore his alternatives, eventually choosing Manchester United. Following a shortened four-month loan at Old Trafford, he headed to Brentford, where he featured during the latter half of the 2023/24 season and discussed his puzzling treatment at Spurs.
Reguilon, now representing Inter Miami in the MLS, will witness his former clubs clash this Saturday as Brentford entertain Roberto De Zerbi’s Tottenham in their first Premier League fixture of the 2026/27 season.
Reflecting on his abrupt departure from north London, Reguilon informed The Times in March 2024 that he struggled to comprehend what had transpired. During pre-season he had been content and Postecoglou had expressed satisfaction with both him and the coaching staff. He was performing as expected across all matches. Just a week earlier he had met with the manager, asking whether his services were required at the club, receiving confirmation that he featured on a list and would be part of the squad. The following day he found himself excluded from first-team training without explanation.
He acknowledged his ability to perform at Tottenham level but recognised that footballers often lack control over such situations. Having no desire to remain as a peripheral figure watching from the stands, he felt at 27 he still had significant career ahead. He could not fathom how the response could shift from affirmative to negative within 24 hours, though he suspected the cause lay beyond his performances.
The Brentford switch represented his third consecutive temporary transfer, having spent the previous campaign at Atletico Madrid seeking regular football before enjoying his time at United. Reguilon made 16 top-flight appearances for the Bees as they ended the season in 16th position.
He returned to Tottenham the following term and featured regularly as a substitute under Postecoglou but was omitted from their squad that secured the 2024/25 Europa League title. He departed the Lilywhites when his contract expired last summer and joined David Beckham’s Inter Miami in late 2025.