At a glance:
- Joao Palhinha wanted by three clubs
- Tottenham loan spell expires next month
- De Zerbi wants to keep the midfielder
Joao Palhinha has been a key player under Roberto De Zerbi at Tottenham as his loan spell edges closer to completion.
According to TEAMtalk, Sporting CP, Benfica and Porto are looking to sign him in the summer if he returns to Bayern Munich after his loan spell.
The experienced midfielder has added some much-needed bite to Tottenham’s team in recent weeks, scoring a crucial winning goal in the 1-0 win against Wolves.
He also started against Leeds United earlier this week, which is a clear sign that De Zerbi values his contributions.
However, his loan-term future may lie away from Tottenham.
Palhinha may not join Tottenham permanently
Palhinha is no stranger to life in London, having previously played for Fulham before moving on to Bayern Munich.
He didn’t really set the world alight during his spell at the Allianz Arena and was loaned out to Tottenham at the start of the current campaign.
And now, according to TEAMtalk’s report, his former club Sporting are really interested in re-signing him, but they aren’t alone in the race to secure his signature.
Fellow Liga NOS sides Benfica and Porto are also in the running, making it an intriguing transfer battle to keep an eye out for.
What did De Zerbi say about Palhinha?
De Zerbi is clearly a big fan of the player and has used him more often than not since joining the club.
Ahead of the game against Leeds United, the Italian manager was asked if he’d like to keep Palhinha permanently, to which he gave a rather emphatic response.
“100%. We have to start with this type of person.
“More than players, we need reliable people and players and Palhinha is one of the best, as a player for sure but as a guy.
“I want to see players have the same personality, attitude and spirit and we’re lucky to have him.”
At this point in time, we’re not sure if De Zerbi’s statements were merely done to boost Palhinha’s confidence or if he actually wants to keep the player.
However, if he actually wants him to stay, Tottenham need to do everything to back their manager.
Over the past few years, a handful of managers have not been able to deliver at Tottenham due to transfer and administrative failures.
And if the North London club really want to kick-start a new era under De Zerbi, they need to give him what he wants in the transfer market.
