Joao Palhinha is currently considered likely to make the permanent move to Tottenham Hotspur despite growing criticisms of his performances. The 30-year-old has struggled to live up to expectations in what has been a miserable season for Spurs, but remains keen to stick around if they stay up. Former Tottenham scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Palhinha’s permanent move could depend on the fee involved, but negotiations are taking place in the background.
Spurs will make a final decision on the Portugal international’s future after the season ends, but are already putting plans in place for the transfer window.
“I thought Palhinha would be an excellent signing for Tottenham,” Brown told Football Insider. “After what he showed at Fulham, earning that move to Bayern Munich, I expected him to come back in and show that again at Tottenham. I must admit, that has not gone to plan for him or for Tottenham. Every time I listen to pundits speaking about him, they tear him apart.
“Jamie Carragher, for example, said he hasn’t got the quality to play in the Premier League, and I thought that was harsh based on the things I’ve seen. But from Tottenham’s point of view, they can’t listen to what pundits are saying, they’re going to make a decision about him at the end of the season. If they stay in the Premier League, I’m sure he will want to make the move, and the manager will assess his squad to see what they can do.
“From what I’ve heard, they’ve already been in negotiations behind the scenes, maybe to bring the price down or find a deal that suits them a bit better. So with Tottenham at the moment you just have to wait and see, but they have to make decisions based on their own views, not those of people outside the club.”
Leeds United are among the clubs said to be enquiring about the availability of Bayern Munich defender Hiroki Ito. The 26-year-old has been on the books of Bayern since 2024, when a reported €30m (£26m) was paid to prise him from Stuttgart.
According to SportsBoom, Leeds are among those eyeing Ito with the summer transfer window just around the corner. Bayern are not believed to have placed Ito on the transfer list, although it has been suggested they will be open to offers.
West Ham United and Brighton & Hove Albion have also been linked with the Japan international, who plays with Leeds midfielder Ao Tanaka on the international stage. The report has claimed an offer in the region of €25m (£21.6m) is likely to be accepted.