Steve Bruce recalls losing Dean Saunders to Benfica hours before kick-off

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·10. März 2026

Steve Bruce recalls losing Dean Saunders to Benfica hours before kick-off

Steve Bruce has recalled discovering, hours before a 1998 EFL Championship match, that Dean Saunders had signed for Benfica. It came early in his managerial career at Sheffield United, soon after a player-manager stint.

On 5 December 1998, at the team hotel before facing Bristol City, Bruce noticed a player’s bags were packed. "Dean, we do not leave for an hour, why have you got your bags packed?" he told TalkSport.

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"No one told you, mister? I have just signed for Benfica. I am flying to Lisbon at 3.30pm from Heathrow," came the reply.

Bruce said he was stunned and had to reshuffle quickly before kick-off. He reorganised his side at short notice.

Sheffield United lost 0-2 to Bristol City. Saunders, a Welsh striker, joined Benfica that day and went on to record five goals and two assists in 19 games in 1998/99.

Source: Glorioso 1904