AliousThe Bayern Munich midfielder joined Tottenham Hotspur on loan last summer and has gone on to make 40 appearances in all competitions this season, contributing five goals and three assists.
According to Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports Germany on April 23, Spurs are exploring the possibility of renegotiating the buy option included in the deal for the Portuguese international. However, the report adds that if Bayern are unwilling to lower their valuation, a permanent transfer is unlikely to materialise for the 30-year-old.
Tottenham face a crucial summer ahead, with their transfer decisions expected to play a major role in shaping ambitions for next season—particularly depending on which league they find themselves competing in.
Palhinha’s Tottenham future in doubt
John Wenham has cast serious doubt over suggestions that Spurs are keen to secure João Palhinha on a permanent basis. The midfielder has yet to start a match under Roberto De Zerbi, featuring only twice since the Italian’s arrival.
Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Wenham dismissed the speculation, stating: “I can’t see it happening. The club is trying to build for the long term under De Zerbi, and he hasn’t trusted him with a start. Instead, he’s preferred players like Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, Conor Gallagher, Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur.”
| Tottenham midfielders under De Zerbi | Starts |
| Archie Gray | 1 |
| Rodrigo Bentancur | 1 |
| Conor Gallagher | 2 |
| Lucas Bergvall | 1 |
| Yves Bissouma | 1 |
| Joao Palhinha | 0 |
“It seems surprising, and likely just agent or intermediary talk.”
Why Wenham’s stance makes sense
The latest Palhinha developments do not make it seem like they are too keen to keep him, as they are not willing to pay the original terms.
Wenham’s point is a good one, the new manager does not seem to fancy the veteran, as he has not started him once in his reign.
| Palhinha’s stats for Tottenham | All competitions |
| Matches | 40 |
| Goals | 5 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Minutes played | 2,550 |
Given his advancing age, they should be reluctant to spend a decent chunk of their transfer budget on the former Fulham man, and should prioritise other areas or players.
There are surely better and younger options out there who could do the same job, if not better, than the ex-Sporting ace.
The N17 outfit needs to be smarter in the transfer window, and signing Palhinha on a permanent deal would be the opposite of that, as he is not the type of player that they need in the summer.
Alious
