Joao Palhinha played a crucial role in helping Tottenham win against Wolves on Saturday.
Tottenham finally secured a Premier League victory when they faced Wolves at Molineux Stadium on Saturday. A late close-range winner from Joao Palhinha ensured that the Lilywhites returned to N17 with all three points as they continued their fight against relegation this season. It was an instinctive finish from the Portuguese international in the 82nd minute, helping the North Londoners claim their first league win since the turn of the year.
Palhinha has been in the media spotlight this week due to his uncertain future at N17. The winner against Wolves will undoubtedly boost his confidence as he looks to finish the season strongly before deciding where he will play next season. The prolific midfielder came on as a second-half substitute against Wolves, replacing another exit-linked midfielder, Yves Bissouma. It is fair to say that the 30-year-old made his mark by being in the right place at the right time to convert a crucial winner.
It is fair to say that Palhinha was one of the standout players for the North Londoners during the first half of the campaign. Having arrived from Bayern Munich on a season-long loan, the Portuguese international immediately settled in and made a lasting impact at both ends of the pitch. However, midway through the season, the experienced midfielder quickly lost his place in the starting eleven and has struggled to work his way back into the team ever since.
Tottenham urged to part ways with Joao Palhinha
It has been a positive weekend for Tottenham star Joao Palhinha. Recent reports suggest that the Lilywhites are open to keeping him at the club beyond this season, provided Bayern Munich lower their asking price for the prolific midfielder. To add even more intrigue to the situation, the Portuguese international has now scored the winner for the Lilywhites in a must-win clash, helping them secure their first Premier League victory in four months.
John Wenham, however, does not want Spurs to sign Palhinha permanently in the summer amid the transfer speculation surrounding the player. Speaking on Tottenham News, Wenham said,
“I can’t see it as we’re building for hopefully a long-term future with De Zerbi and he is yet to pick him to start, whilst he’s selected all of Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, Conor Gallagher, Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur. It seems surprising, and likely just agent or intermediary talk.”
John Wenham does not believe Spurs will pursue a move for Joao Palhinha in the summer, as the club appears focused on building a team for the future. The Lilywhite Rose owner also points out that Roberto de Zerbi has not chosen to start Palhinha in any of the three matches he has overseen, suggesting that the Portuguese international is not part of the Italian tactician’s long-term plans. Wenham further claims that the transfer rumours surrounding the 30-year-old are likely being driven by his representatives as they attempt to generate interest in the player.
Spurs should explore other options in the summer rather than signing Joao Palhinha permanently. Despite playing an important role for the Lilywhites this season, the Portuguese international should not be considered a long-term fit for Roberto de Zerbi’s plans. At 30 years old, there is limited upside in making the move permanent. He may not offer strong resale value, and Spurs would also need to commit to a significant signing bonus as well as substantial wages to keep him beyond the summer.