Tottenham are set to make an important January move as reports claim the club is expected to open discussions to sign one of the Premier League’s most impressive midfielders.
Tottenham Hotspur’s summer transfer window was one filled with variety, as the club managed to secure several different deals across both permanent signings and loan agreements, reshaping the squad in the process.
The Lilywhites sealed the arrivals of Xavi Simons, Kota Takai and Mohammed Kudus, all of whom were brought in permanently to strengthen Frank’s long-term project in north London.
Alongside those deals, Tottenham also worked the loan market effectively, bringing in Joao Palhinha and Randal Kolo Muani to provide proven quality and depth ahead of a demanding campaign both domestically and in Europe.
Tottenham to open talks with Joao Palhinha in January
Many of these new signings have settled quickly into life in north London, with Joao Palhinha in particular standing out as he has already brought much-needed stability and control to a midfield position that was previously seen as a problem area for Spurs.
According to TBR Football, Tottenham are now preparing to act decisively, with the report stating that the club are fully expected to open discussions over a permanent deal for Palhinha once the January window comes around.
Speaking to TBR Football, Bailey said: “He is exactly what they expected. When he left, he was already one of the Premier League’s best holding midfielders.
“Watching Palhinha play in that position probably frustrates Manchester United fans, knowing he was available and could have joined them.
“To make matters worse, he would have been exactly what United needed. But yes, he is absolutely top class. I fully expect discussions about a permanent deal to begin in January once the transfer window opens.”
Bailey also suggested Spurs could even look to accelerate the process before the window opens, as he added: “They may even try to finalise the permanent deal sooner. He is very happy in London, and I do not see him moving elsewhere. Tottenham are fortunate that there is really no other club in London that could challenge them.”
Further praising Palhinha, Bailey concluded: “We have seen players like Christian Norgaard move to Arsenal, but he is on another level: an absolute top-class player, a Rolls-Royce of a footballer. Since returning, he has not missed a beat. Tottenham are thrilled with him, they genuinely believe they have one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, and it seems they do.”
Spurs could secure bargain £26m Joao Palhinha deal
Tottenham already have a track record of turning loan moves into permanent ones, with the recent case of Mathys Tel highlighting how quickly the club acts when they are convinced of a player’s long-term value.
It is understood that Spurs have an option to buy Palhinha for just £26m, and given how important he has already become for Thomas Frank, that figure could prove to be a major bargain in today’s transfer market.
Palhinha barely featured for Bayern Munich during his time in Germany, but in north London, he has been given the platform and minutes to thrive, and there is little doubt that he will be pushing to make his move to Tottenham a permanent one.