Thomas Frank could have a big decision to make next summer when it comes to the permanent transfer of a defensive midfielder at Tottenham Hotspur.
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Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Joao Palhinha has had a mixed start to his loan spell in north London this season, scoring important goals for Thomas Frank but also coming under criticism from pundits.
The 30-year-old is on loan in the Premier League from Bayern Munich. Palhinha joined the Bundesliga giants from Fulham in the summer of 2024 on a £47 million move but struggled to cement a role in the starting XI in Germany.
Despite playing in defensive midfield, Palhinha has four goals across all competitions already for Spurs. He has netted against Manchester City and Wolves in the Premier League, as well as against Copenhagen in the Champions League and Doncaster Rovers in the Carabao Cup.
Tottenham Hotspur star criticised by Jamie Carragher
Frank has praised the loanee’s impact but the player was criticised by former Premier League defender Jamie Carragher following the defeat to Chelsea. Carragher told Sky Sports: “For me, for Thomas Frank, that’s something he has to grow. One of his first signings is Palhinha. He is not capable, I don’t think, of doing this. There’s a reason why teams in the Premier League didn’t buy him from Fulham and there’s a reason why Bayern Munich bought him and didn’t play him. That would be a worry.
“For Thomas Frank, going forward, when you think of pragmatic managers in the past who have made that jump from a smaller club to a bigger one, that has always been a problem. Can they coach the rotations, the build up play, to break the lines?”
Responding to that criticism, Frank said: "No, I didn't. I didn't see his comments so there's not too much to say to that. The pundits are pundits, they need to say something about the games. I've been a pundit myself sometimes, it's easier to be that than stand down there (on the touchline)."
Tottenham Hotspur have the option to make the loan move of Palhinha permanent come the end of the season for £27 million. Even if Frank is a fan of the player, he could be tempted by an alternative.
Brentford star could represent cheaper Joao Palhinha alternative
Prior to signing Palhinha this summer, Spurs were linked with a move for Brentford midfielder Yehor Yarmolyuk but a colleague of the Ukrainian could also tempt Frank.
Sky Sports have reported this week that Vitaly Janelt is unlikely to sign a new deal at Brentford this season, which would make him available as a free agent next year. That will surely pique the interest of Spurs and present a much more affordable option than Palhinha.
Frank is a big fan of the player too. After Janelt was named Brentford’s Players’ Player of the Year, the former Bees boss said: “It’s extremely impressive he is the first player to hit that landmark and it’s something he should be very proud of. I’m proud of it. He has been a key player for us since he stepped in the building.
“His development as a player and a person is quite remarkable. He is the go-to guy in so many ways. He is a very intelligent footballer, a fantastic character with leadership potential, and he makes our team better.”
In other news, Tottenham and Chelsea face transfer setback in pursuit of 'top international' striker.