Remember all of those reports coming from A Bola and other outlets in the Portuguese media that suggested that Joao Palhiniha was keen on a return to Sporting, his old club, at the conclusion of his season-long Tottenham Hotspur loan? Welllllllllllll Fabrizio Romano has something to say about that, and that is that Tottenham would be Joao’s first choice of clubs should he have any say over the matter.
So this kinda makes sense, honestly. Palhinha’s agent is likely doing his job and securing multiple options for Joao. Bayern sure seem like they’re keen to get rid of him entirely, so staying in Germany doesn’t seem to be the answer. Roberto De Zerbi has mentioned in press conferences and interviews that he’d like to keep ahold of Joao next season; Tottenham have a €30m purchase option at the conclusion of his loan but those are generally guidelines, and if they’re interested Spurs will probably try to negotiate that price down.
But the Sporting rumors also appear to be a thing; Romano suggests that they’re his backup plan should a deal not work with Tottenham or if Spurs decide they’d like to move in a different direction.
I’m a little torn on this. I like Palhinha and he’s been pretty good for us in what has been a terribly constructed midfield. I think he could be a plus add for Spurs if they pair him with a dude who can actually pass, and it’s nice to have a defensive midfielder who can pop up now and then with a goal. He’s also a solid leader and a nice guy, so he’s not at all without value.
What we don’t know is whether De Zerbi agrees or if he feels like he needs to make room in the squad for new additions. But it sounds like, if we want him, we can get Palhiniha permanently. Or maybe just on loan again. Who knows!