Tottenham Hotspur signed both Joao Palhinha and Randal Kolo Muani on loan during the summer transfer window, and Fabrizio Romano, writing in his exclusive GIVEMESPORT newsletter, has provided an update on how the club feels about the duo.
Palhinha has slotted into Thomas Frank's midfield this season and has become an almost guaranteed starter alongside Rodrigo Bentancur. The Bayern Munich loanee is one of the best ball winners in the Premier League, something he showed during his previous spell in England with Fulham, and that has benefited Tottenham from a defensive standpoint.
Kolo Muani has endured more of a difficult time in a Spurs shirt. The French striker has struggled with injuries and is only just getting back to full fitness. With Dominic Solanke out injured, Kolo Muani now appears to be the main man for the centre-forward position.
Fabrizio Romano: How Tottenham Feel About Palhinha
Writing in his exclusive GIVEMESPORT newsletter, Romano has confirmed that Tottenham are very happy with Palhinha, who has adapted immediately and very well.
"Very happy. Palhinha adapted immediately very well."
This comes after Jamie Carragher recently criticised the midfielder, claiming he 'hasn't got the quality'...
“Now, we’ve spoken about courage, now we can talk about quality. Palhinha hasn’t got the quality. For me, for a player playing in central midfield for Tottenham, that is a pass you have to be able to make. He can’t make it, so... he goes back. Listen to the boos. The only reason he does a clever turn on the ball is because of the boos. Otherwise, he’d have gone back to the goalkeeper."
Palhinha has undoubtedly enjoyed the more impressive start for Tottenham, but Kolo Muani's injury problems have halted his progress so far. The duo are now regular starters under Frank, both named in their most recent Premier League XI to face Chelsea last weekend.
GIVEMESPORT sources have already confirmed that Tottenham are planning to sign Palhinha on a permanent deal in 2026. Spurs have an option to secure his signature for a fee of £26m from Bayern Munich, which could turn out to be a bargain considering how he's settled in at the club.
Fabrizio Romano: How Tottenham Feel About Kolo Muani
Romano has also discussed how Tottenham feel about Kolo Muani, suggesting that Spurs are happy with both players...
"Very happy with both. Kolo is now finding his form slowly after he didn't have pre-season. But Spurs general feeling is positive with both."
Spurs currently sit in sixth position in the Premier League table, and there's no doubt they could still improve after showing some signs of inconsistency. Some of their summer signings are still settling in, and Kolo Muani is one of them, while Xavi Simons has particularly struggled in his opening few months in England.