Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has made a U-turn on the future of Joao Palhinha and now wants him to stay beyond this season, according to The Times.
The Portugal international joined Spurs on an initial season-long loan deal from Bayern Munich last summer, and has been a regular in the team that is now battling against relegation, sitting just one point above the drop zone with three games remaining of the campaign.
Plans are already beginning to be made for next season, despite the club not being sure of what division they will be in, and the manager has now made a decision on the future of Palhinha beyond this summer.
De Zerbi Wants Palhinha to Stay
De Zerbi was speaking before Spurs' clash with Leeds United on Monday night, when he was asked about the future of Palhinha and whether he wants the 30-year-old to stay.
“One hundred per cent," he said.
"We have to start from this type of people. More than players, we need reliable people, reliable players. Palhinha is one of the best, as a player for sure, but as a guy. I want to see the players with the same passion, the same attitude, the same spirit, the same personality, and we are lucky to have Palhinha with us.”
Spurs hold the option to make Palhinha's move from Bayern permanent for around £26m, but they could try to renegotiate the clause to a lower fee, knowing that the Bundesliga champions have no interest in keeping him.
Palhinha is also one of the club's highest-earning players, which could leave the club with a major decision to make if they are unable to avoid relegation and end up in the Championship. It's also noted that they could push for another loan deal.
De Zerbi Makes Palhinha U-Turn
Tottenham are expecting some major changes within their playing squad this summer, and getting some experience through the door would be a big coup, especially with his performances in recent times.
Palhinha has some clear deficiencies in his game with his poor passing, but he makes up for it with his reading of the game, his aggression, his determination, and his ability to break up the game of the opponents.
After starting on the bench in De Zerbi's first three games, Palhinha got the winner against Wolves and then shone against Aston Villa, making him a key player, and now seeing his future look set to remain in north London.