Palhinha was sold on Tottenham Hotspur transfer following conversation with Thomas Frank
Tottenham Hotspur’s’s midfield is set for a shake-up, and at the heart of it all is Thomas Frank’s quiet revolution in North London. The Danish tactician has already begun stamping his identity on the Spurs squad, and the signing of Joao Palhinha signals another major step in that direction.
Sources close to the club, including TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey, confirm that the deal for Palhinha is done and dusted. The Portuguese enforcer joins on a season-long loan from Bayern Munich, with Tottenham covering his wages and holding an option to make the move permanent next summer.
An official unveiling is expected this weekend, but the buzz around Hotspur Way suggests the club is already convinced they’ve landed a vital piece of their midfield puzzle.
Palhinha’s arrival signals a tactical shift
Frank played a central role in convincing Palhinha to make the switch to North London. It didn’t take long for the two to connect, and those within the club say the midfielder was “won over” as soon as they spoke. That relationship could prove pivotal in helping Palhinha settle quickly and thrive in the Premier League once again.
“Palhinha was won over by Thomas Frank as soon as they talked, am told they are delighted to be working together.”
Anyone who followed Palhinha during his time at Craven Cottage will know exactly what he brings. He’s a born ball-winner, equally comfortable breaking up play or kickstarting attacks. It’s the kind of steel Spurs lacked at times last season, especially in high-stakes games where control of the midfield was often surrendered too easily.
Bissouma exit on the jhorizon
Of course, one man’s arrival usually means another’s exit and in this case, that man is Yves Bissouma. The former Brighton midfielder, signed during the Antonio Conte era, has struggled to find consistent form or rhythm in a Spurs shirt. Now, Tottenham are working on finding him a new club, with several teams across Europe interested.
Bissouma’s departure would open up space for Palhinha to slot directly into the starting XI, and all signs point to that being the plan. Tottenham aren’t bringing him in to sit on the bench, they see him as a foundation piece in Frank’s evolving midfield setup.
A new-look Spurs under Frank
The Palhinha deal is more than just a transfer and reflects how much sway Thomas Frank already holds in shaping the club’s direction. After years of tactical inconsistency, Spurs fans are beginning to see the formation of a clear identity, and it’s being built around players with the grit, intelligence, and drive to match Frank’s philosophy.
If Palhinha hits the ground running, this could be the signing that sets the tone for a more balanced, more aggressive Tottenham in 2024/25. And as for Frank? He’s just getting started. Just ask Mikel Arteta and Arsenal.
