João Palhinha is making an instant impact at Tottenham under Thomas Frank this season
Tottenham made some shrewd signings in the summer as the club looked to build on their Europa League success. One signing that went under the radar for the Lilywhites was João Palhinha from Bayern Munich. The Portugal international joined the North London club on an initial loan for this season, with Spurs having the option to retain him permanently for £27 million next summer.
Despite being deemed past his best during his Bayern Munich days, Palhinha has shown why he still belongs in the elite group of midfielders this season. The 30-year-old has made an instant impact for the Lilywhites under Thomas Frank, contributing at both ends of the pitch.
The former Fulham star oozes class and brings composure in the middle of the park. His tendency to read the play and win aerial or ground duels makes him an ideal candidate to operate in the No. 6 role. He has already won over the Spurs faithful with his heart and desire during his short time at N17.
Tottenham set to open talks with Bayern Munich to retain Joao Palhinha
It was reported earlier that Tottenham are thoroughly impressed with the way João Palhinha has settled at N17 and made an instant impact for the Lilywhites. The report also stated that the North London club are keen to sign the Portugal international permanently. Spurs do not want to wait until next summer to begin talks with Bayern Munich, and are willing to take the extra step of concluding negotiations in January.
Now, Ben Jacobs has revealed Palhinha’s transfer stance as Spurs plan winter talks to retain him permanently. As per Jacobs (via GiveMeSport),
“I think the Joao Palhinha signing has been excellent for Tottenham. The original agreement had an option to buy, which is set at £27million. That was something that both Tottenham and the player were very keen on factoring in as part of the deal.”
The Journalist adds,
“Palhinha, in particular, viewed the loan as being contingent, in many ways, on having that option to buy because he would like to be permanently back in the Premier League. If Spurs choose to take up the option, the player will be very happy with that because he dove into the move, wanting that permanence to begin with.”
Ben Jacobs has revealed both Palhinha and Tottenham wanted to include a £27 million buy option in the midfielder’s contract when he signed on loan in the summer. The journalist also shares that the Portugal international is keen to stay in the Premier League beyond this season, giving Spurs the green light to enter talks with Bayern Munich over a permanent move. Jacobs later reports that Palhinha is happy at N17 and wants to continue his career in North London if the club opt to sign him permanently.
More Tottenham Hotspur News:
- Tottenham expected to push for ‘top class’ Bayern Munich star in January
- “Working well”- Tottenham summer signing keen to make special ‘feeling’ a regular occurrence
- Tottenham urged to trigger £27m option for Iberian star; a good fit to Thomas Frank’s tactics
Bringing in Joao Palhinha might just turn out to be a masterstroke by Tottenham. The ex-Fulham star is one of the best holding midfielders in the Premier League, and he certainly elevates the midfield quality whenever he is on the pitch. The 30-year-old’s performance against Manchester City perfectly summed up his impact on the team.