Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho could help Tottenham land Joao Palhinha by signing Yves Bissouma
Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank has some significant decisions to make on his squad ahead of the new season. He has added the likes of Mohammed Kudus and Kota Takai to Spurs’ roster, while Mathys Tel’s loan from Bayern Munich has been turned into a permanent deal.
However, several players of the Dane’s squad have been mooted for an exit before the transfer window slams shut in September. The North Londoners’ search for a new No.6 is dependent on sales, as claimed by journalist Alasdair Gold, and Yves Bissouma appears to be the most likely face to depart this summer.
With one year left on his contract, Yves Bissouma has been placed on the chopping block by the club officials. The Mali international has struggled to reproduce the performances he delivered at Brighton and Hove Albion, and after three seasons in North London, it looks like his chapter is drawing to a close.
Ex-boss Jose Mourinho could help Tottenham land Joao Palhinha
Fenerbahce have shown the most interest in Yves Bissouma over recent weeks and months. According to an exclusive report from TBR Football, Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce ‘appreciate’ the player very much and want to sign him this summer.
Galatasaray have asked about a potential deal for the combative midfielder, as a move to Turkey currently remains Bissouma’s most likely destination. However, Jose Mourinho being keen on bringing the African enforcer to Fenerbahce could vacate space for his former employers to bring in their target- Bayern Munich’s Joao Palhinha.
Joao Palhinha would be a smart fit in Thomas Frank’s system at Tottenham
Spurs have already been credited with an interest in Joao Palhinha, with the North Londoners holding talks with the Bayern Munich midfielder over a possible move. They are preferring a loan deal, but the German champions would only want a sale of the player.
Despite winning the Bundesliga in only his debut season, Joao Palhinha would have liked to contribute more to the cause than starting only six league games. And when he played, the Portuguese barely made an impact. With the World Cup set to take place next summer, the 30-year-old would want to play regularly to book a place in Roberto Martinez’s Portugal squad.
A move to Tottenham could do well for Palhinha. Frank wants a midfielder who possesses the physicality, defensive acumen and physicality necessary to play in a holding role, and Palhinha fits that bill perfectly. In Frank’s 4-2-3-1/4-3-3 system, the Portuguese, who was one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League during his stint with Fulham, can flourish in a single or double pivot and help screen the Lilywhites’ defence.
And Tottenham’s efforts to land Palhinha would significantly improve if Mourinho pushes Fenerbahce to get a deal for Bissouma done.
