Sporting Club de Portugal are keeping a close eye on João Palhinha, who may return to Portugal following his loan at Tottenham, for personal reasons.
Both A Bola and Correio da Manhã Weekend report on the Tottenham loanee today and a potential return to his homeland this summer.
Tottenham exit likely
Sport Witness covered a report yesterday stating that Sporting were interested in the Tottenham midfielder this summer. Correio da Manhã Weekend now pick up in that with further information.
They state that Sporting are set to bring João Palhinha back to the club next season, benefitting from his desire to return to Portugal to be close to his children. Benfica are also in the race, but Palhinha would prefer to return to his former club.
The Lions intend to use his desire to return home to their advantage. They see him as a business opportunity, with other players in his position potentially departing.
Palhinha is currently on loan at Tottenham from Bayern Munich. Roberto de Zerbi has expressed a desire to keep the 30-year-old long-term.
But the midfielder wants to return to Portugal to be closer to his children, who are still young, following his divorce. He has expressed a willingness to lower his wages to make it happen.
A return to Portugal
A Bola report similar information. They explain that Sporting will be restructuring their midfield this summer and João Palhinha is one of the names they’re watching closely.
According to their information, Palhinha will be returning to Bayern Munich from Tottenham this summer.
When that happens, they intend to make their move. They would prefer a loan move, but believe a permanent deal is negotiable. Bayern want €30m but Sporting believe they can bring that down.
The newspaper echoes the idea that Palhinha would prefer to join his former club. And a return to Portugal ‘for family reasons’ would be very well received by the player.
Sporting are also waiting to see what Tottenham do. They have expressed a desire to keep him and that could complicate matters. Ultimately, though, the decision will be Palhinha’s to make. And in Portugal they believe he wants to go home above all else.