Tottenham need a proven destroyer in midfield this summer, and we believe Joao Palhinha could be the perfect answer to that pressing need.
Tottenham Hotspur are reported to be looking to strengthen three positions this summer, with centre-back, midfield, and the forward area all expected to be bolstered.
With UEFA Champions League football now set to return to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the first time since the 2022/23 season, Spurs must strengthen their squad this summer.
One area that remains a problem in this Tottenham team is the number six position, where Yves Bissouma and Lucas Bergvall currently occupy for Spurs.
It was reported that Spurs were in the running for Johnny Cardoso as a £21 million buy clause for the American was inserted in the deal that saw Giovani Lo Celso move to Real Betis two summers ago.
However, Cardoso looks set to remain in Spain according to recent reports, as Atletico Madrid have submitted a £25.5 million (€30 million) bid for the 23-year-old, with the possibility of players being included as well.
With Spurs set to miss out on Cardoso this summer, there is a need for them to turn their attention elsewhere and there could be a bargain signing lurking around at Bayern Munich.
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Tottenham should target Joao Palhinha after Bayern struggles
Bayern Munich and Tottenham are no strangers to doing transfer business, with Harry Kane and Eric Dier moving to the German champions from Spurs in recent windows, while Leroy Sane has been heavily linked with a move to Tottenham this summer window.
However, Spurs could look to poach a defensive midfielder who is currently out of favour in Germany since he completed his move from Fulham to Bayern last summer.
Joao Palhinha is reported to be considering his future in Germany after the former Fulham man managed just 17 appearances in the Bundesliga last season, playing only 667 minutes.
It is said that the Portuguese international is set to have talks with Bayern’s sporting director and head coach Vincent Kompany to see if he would have a chance at the Bavarian club, before deciding on his next move.
Joao Palhinha would be a smart option for Spurs midfield
Should Palhinha look elsewhere for consistent football, Tottenham Hotspur have to be in the running for the defensive midfielder.
Last season, Tottenham finished on negative goal difference, after conceding 65 goals in the Premier League.
While many would be quick to point to the defence as the issue given the injury crisis, that is not necessarily the case, as the midfield of Tottenham was subpar for most of last season.
Yves Bissouma was inconsistent throughout the last campaign, and his game was filled with errors, which ultimately cost Spurs. When the midfield cannot shield the backline, then a team would consistently have to defend.
We have seen the importance of having a top-class holding midfielder, as the absence of Rodri alone from Manchester City caused them a lot of trouble last term.
Yves Bissouma could be on his way out this summer, and Spurs would need a replacement, which makes Joao Palhinha a great option given that he has Premier League experience following his impressive spell at Fulham, which earned him a move to Bayern.
Palhinha’s stats in the Premier League at a glance