Fresh reports have now revealed Joao Palhinha’s stance on joining Tottenham Hotspur permanently as his loan spell nears its conclusion.
Tottenham Hotspur certainly have a decision to make regarding two players currently on loan in north London – Randal Kolo Muani and Joao Palhinha.
A few months ago, that decision would have been unanimous, with both players expected to return to their parent clubs, but recent displays may now force Spurs into a rethink.
The pair, especially Joao Palhinha, have looked impressive under Roberto De Zerbi. Palhinha scored a goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers and was one of Tottenham’s better performers in the clash with Aston Villa.
Tottenham learn Joao Palhinha stance on permanent transfer
Spurs Web has reported that Tottenham have a £22m option-to-buy clause included in Palhinha’s loan deal should they decide to make the move permanent.
We also recently reported that Spurs could also secure a discount for Palhinha this summer, with reports claiming he has no future at Bayern Munich, which could open the door for negotiations.
GIVEMESPORT has now shed light on Palhinha’s stance regarding a long-term stay in north London. According to journalist Ben Jacobs, the 31-year-old is open to remaining at Tottenham regardless of the division they are in.
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Commenting on the situation, Jacobs said, “Joao Palhinha has kind of come full circle. So it is very difficult to predict. In the first few months, Tottenham were adamant they were going to trigger the option to buy because he started really well, then it tapered off, and it was trending towards not signing him permanently.
“Now in these last few games and under De Zerbi the mood has shifted again. What I can tell you with Palhinha is, if it is up to the player, he wants to stay, and that will likely also be the case, even if Tottenham go down, because Palhinha’s move to Tottenham was about returning to England. It was about being in London.
“There are family reasons why he wants to stay too. So Tottenham can feel very in control of that situation, because Palhinha does not, I am told, fall into the category of a player that will just want to jump ship.”
Spurs face major Joao Palhinha transfer decision
Palhinha has certainly shown over the last few games that he is willing to fight for Tottenham’s Premier League status.
In the 2-1 win over Aston Villa, the Portuguese midfielder was visibly celebrating tackles and free-kicks won, showing the level of commitment he has brought to the side in recent weeks.
There is every reason to believe that, with the Bayern Munich man in the squad, Spurs can avoid relegation with three games left to play.
The bigger question, however, is whether Tottenham will be willing to spend £20m on a player now into his 30s and approaching the latter stages of his peak years.