At a glance:
- Joao Palhinha to return to Bayern
- Tottenham unlikely to sign him permanently
- Midfielder still a key player
Joao Palhinha was Tottenham’s hero against Wolves as he scored the solitary goal in the 1-0 win.
The Portuguese midfielder tapped the ball home from close range to give his side three priceless points in their bid to avoid relegation.
Palhinha signed from Tottenham on a season-long loan deal under Thomas Frank. The North London side have the chance to sign him permanently, but it remains to be seen if that option is triggered.
And now, sources close to the situation have provided an update on his future.
Tottenham unlikely to sign Palhinha permanently
Palhinha has scored four goals for the club, none more important than the one against Wolves last week.
Despite his goal, Tottenham are still in the relegation zone, two points below 17th-placed West Ham United.
In recent weeks, there has been a lot of talk about the midfielder’s future.
Tottenham open to signing Palhinha if they can thrash out fresh terms with Bayern, according to reports from Germany.
And now, John Wenham, a Tottenham insider, says they are unlikely to do so.
He said (quotes via TEAMtalk): “I can’t see it as we’re building for hopefully a long-term future with De Zerbi and he’s yet to pick him to start, whilst he’s selected all of Archie Gray, Yves Bissouma, Lucas Bergvall, Conor Gallagher and Rodrigo Bentancur.
“It seems surprising and likely just agent or intermediary talk.”
Tottenham should bite the bullet with Palhinha
Palhinha hasn’t done too much wrong, but Tottenham need fresh faces and ideas in midfield.
At the end of the season, the best decision for all parties involved would be to shake hands and part ways.
However, he will still be crucial between now and the end of the season as Tottenham need all their experienced players to step up.
After scoring the winner against Wolves, the former Fulham midfielder said the North London side have four finals coming up.
“We have four finals [remaining],” said Palhinha via Football London.
“We need to do our jobs. Hopefully, this win can change things, give us a bit more motivation as it’s been a long time without victories.
“What we can control right now is doing our job until the end of the season and keeping the club where it belongs, which is the Premier League.”
He has already made one telling contribution during the business end of the season and will look to sign off with a flourish at Tottenham.
