Bayern Munich are hopeful that Tottenham Hotspur will buy João Palhinha in the summer. But Leon Goretzka being available on a free transfer could scupper their plans.
That’s according to Sport BILD, who cover the situation today. The German newspaper reports that Thomas Frank’s recent dismissal has put Palhinha’s future into question.
The Portuguese midfielder joined Tottenham on loan from Bayern in the summer transfer window. That deal includes an option for them to make it permanent in the summer. It would cost them €30m to do so.
The question is whether they will. That’s a decision for their next permanent manager to make and it remains to be seen who that will be. Igor Tudor is currently the man in the dugout but only on an interim basis.
Frank exit creates Tottenham uncertainty
He replaced Thomas Frank, who was a big supporter of Palhinha and wanted him in the summer. And according to Sport BILD, his exit means a permanent deal is now in jeopardy.
There is also the issue of Goretzka. He’s leaving Bayern on a free transfer in the summer and prefers a move to the Premier League. Tottenham are one of the English sides interested in him.
The idea is a clear and obvious one. Tottenham would dodge paying €30m for Palhinha in preference of getting Goretzka on a free transfer. Spurs get the midfielder they want either way but saving money while doing so would be a major boost.
Goretzka interest not new
Tottenham’s interest in Goretzka is nothing new either. Sport Witness have covered numerous reports about that over the last year.
Those have picked up following his announcement that he’ll be leaving Bayern Munich on a free transfer this summer. There was even, reportedly, a surprise bid at the end of the January transfer window.
The expectation is that he will be a firm target for Tottenham when the summer window opens. But now, it seems, that could also mean Palhinha is discarded in favour of him.