Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur have long been esteemed members of the Premier League’s ‘Big Six’. Their rich histories and long-standing traditions of playing eye-catching soccer make them dream destinations for top talents. Playing for either of these two teams is a massive achievement in itself, but featuring for both is a true rarity.
In the Premier League era, only nine players have had the privilege of playing for both Manchester City and Tottenham. In the list below, we will take a look at the top five who left the most lasting impression. Let’s begin!
#5 Michael Brown
Rising through Manchester City’s youth ranks, Michael Brown earned his senior team contract in July 1994. He got his fair share of opportunities over the next two-and-a-half seasons, but could not become an undroppable member of the first team, leading to his loan to Hartlepool in March 1997. After a brief loan spell at Portsmouth, Brown landed at Sheffield United. Following a satisfactory loan stint at the club, he joined them permanently in January 2000. At Man City, the former central midfielder played 101 matches in all competitions, scoring three goals.
After four fine years at Sheffield, Brown took his talents to Tottenham Hotspur. He had a decent start, but he just could not fit in at Spurs. So after just two years (January 2004–January 2006), Brown left Spurs for Fulham. During his time with Tottenham, Brown played 64 matches, scoring three times and providing four assists.
#4 Vedran Corluka
Former Croatian center-back Vedran Corluka entered the Premier League through Manchester City in August 2007, with the Cityzens paying €13 million ($13.6 million) to acquire his services from Dinamo Zagreb. Corluka played extensively for City in his debut season, appearing in 41 games and providing three assists. Owing to his solid showings, Tottenham Hotspur came calling, and Corluka jumped ship on deadline day. The timing could not have been worse for Corluka, as he was the last man out before petro-billionaire Etihad Group took over and completely turned the club’s fortunes.
Corluka’s Tottenham spell lasted for three-and-a-half years. He did an excellent job alternating between center-back and right-back positions when needed and helped Spurs to some key victories. Before joining Bayer Leverkusen on loan in January 2012, Corluka appeared in 109 games for the Lilywhites, scoring one goal and providing six assists.
#3 Joe Hart
Legendary English goalkeeper Joe Hart initially joined Manchester City from Shrewsbury in July 2006. However, it took him a while to prove his first-team credentials. He finally became a key member of the first team in the 2010-11 season and held that position until Pep Guardiola arrived in 2016. Hart, who helped the team to two Premier League titles (2011-12, 2013-14), fell down the pecking order as Guardiola preferred a goalkeeper who was good with the ball at his feet. After a couple of loan spells, Hart joined Burnley in August 2018. Days later, he joined Tottenham Hotspur as a free agent. Before bidding Man City goodbye, Hart played 348 games in all competitions, conceding 347 goals and keeping 137 clean sheets.
As an understudy of Hugo Lloris, Hart did not get enough opportunities at Tottenham. He got to play just 10 games for the club across the 2020-21 season, with none of those games coming in the Premier League. Frustrated with the lack of minutes, Hart left Spurs for Celtic in the summer of 2021.
#2 Emmanuel Adebayor
One of the most interesting players to ever play in the Premier League, Emmanuel Adebayor joined Manchester City from Arsenal for a handsome €29 million fee in the summer of 2009. He delivered some fine performances over the following two seasons, but he could not attain consistency. So, when Real Madrid approached to prize him away on loan in January 2011, Man City happily obliged. Shortly after returning from Spain, Adebayor joined Tottenham Hotspur on loan. In August 2012, Tottenham made Adebayor’s stay permanent. Before he departed from Man City, Adebayor played 45 games in all competitions, scoring 19 goals and providing seven assists.
Adebayor’s Tottenham spell started well, with him scoring 17 goals and providing 10 assists in 33 Premier League games in 2011-12. Unfortunately, that was as good as it got for him. Spurs ran out of patience with him and ultimately allowed him to leave as a free agent in September 2015. After failing to land a project in the first half of the 2015-16 season, Adebayor got back on the pitch with Crystal Palace in January 2016. Adebayor played 113 games for Spurs in all competitions, scoring 42 goals and providing 17 assists.
#1 Kyle Walker
At the summit sits Kyle Walker — arguably the best right-back in the Premier League right now. The England veteran, who is known for his breathtaking pace, stamina, and creativity, joined Tottenham Hotspur from Sheffield United in July 2009. After a few loan spells, Walker became an integral member of Spurs’ first team, going on to feature in almost every game between 2011 and 2017. He scored four goals and provided 18 assists in 229 games across competitions for Spurs before Manchester City prized him away for a hefty €52.7 million ($55.2 million) fee.
Man City boss Pep Guardiola has unlocked Walker’s true potential, making him one of the most feared full-backs in the Premier League. Walker has been delivering one brilliant performance after another since moving from Spurs in 2017, recording six goals and 23 assists in 310 matches in all competitions. His heroics have helped Cityzens to six Premier League titles and one UEFA Champions League trophy, among other honors.
