Tottenham Hotspur are keen on welcoming one midfielder to the club on a permanent basis, as discussions begin to take shape behind the scenes.
We are eleven games into the Premier League season, and one can already tell the signings that have been a hit or a miss so far for Tottenham Hotspur.
Mohammed Kudus and Joao Palhinha have proven to be worth every penny, while Xavi Simons, Randal Kolo Muani and Kota Takai are yet to prove themselves, with the jury still out on which side of the line they stand.
Kudus is a permanent signing, hence his future at Spurs is pretty much certain. However, Palhinha was signed on loan, and Spurs would have to decide on what to do with the defensive midfielder who has caught the eye in north London.
Tottenham agree deal in principle with Joao Palhinha
The Portuguese international has become a key cog in Thomas Frank’s side, bringing stability and steel to a midfield that has often lacked balance in recent years.
The 30-year-old has not just been a top defensive asset, but he also does the business at the other end of the pitch, having scored four goals and registered two assists for Tottenham in all competitions.
According to journalist Nicolo Schira, it is understood that Tottenham Hotspur are very satisfied with Joao Palhinha’s performances so far.
The north London club are said to be ready to open talks with Bayern Munich to keep him on a permanent deal. It is also claimed that the midfielder has reached an agreement in principle with Spurs for a deal running until 2029.
Palhinha’s impact and what comes next for Spurs
Despite being 30 years old, Palhinha has come to Tottenham and elevated their game massively.
He has held things down in that holding midfield role, a position that has been a problem area for Spurs since Mousa Dembele’s departure.
Palhinha currently tops the list for tackles made in the Premier League despite taking a 12-month break when he moved to Bayern from Fulham two summers ago, surpassing Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo.
If Tottenham are to make Palhinha’s move permanent, they would have to pay around £26.5 million for the midfielder, according to reports, a fee that may prove a bargain for the level of quality and assurance he has brought into the side.