Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha has found himself at the centre of a transfer saga this summer.
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Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank remains in the market for a new defensive midfielder and his hunt for a recruit in that position appears to have drummed up a transfer saga.
The new Spurs manager isn’t short of options in his current squad with Yves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Matar Sarr, Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray all capable in that position. However, there remains a feeling that the north London outfit lacks a certain bite that can only be solved with a new arrival.
In recent days, it’s looked increasingly likely that former Fulham man Joao Palhinha could be the answer to that. The 30-year-old moved to Bayern Munich for nearly £50 million last summer but has not dazzled in Germany.
Tottenham Hotspur prepare £45 million Bayern bid
As a result, it’s expected that the Bundesliga giants will allow Palhinha to leave this summer with a return to the Premier League likely. At first, a £25 million fee had been touted but the latest report from journalist Sebastian Vidal claims that Tottenham Hotspur are now willing to pay £45 million for the player.
That’s a staggering fee for a midfielder who has already passed the age of 30 years old, but it could work for Spurs. At his best, Palhinha was one of the top defensive midfielders in the Premier League while at Fulham, and capable of stopping any attack. Spurs need that.
Speaking about the player, former Fulham captain Tom Cairney said: "If you lose the ball, he smells blood. He’s probably one of the best I've ever seen off the ball, in terms of getting back, recovering and trying to win back the ball.
"He doesn't just put pressure on them, he goes back to win the ball and does the tackle. It's amazing to watch sometimes. I think the fans have taken to him. I think he's been a breath of fresh air in the Premier League."
Spurs transfer risks double embarrassment
If Palhinha was to hit that level every week, then £45 million is a steal. However, if he doesn’t, that’s an embarrassing amount of money to waste on a 30-year-old.
The worry for Spurs is that the midfielder is aware he’s had a tough season. Speaking at the Club World Cup, he was all too aware that he has not been at his best, which casts questions over that lofty fee. He said: “Obviously, it hasn’t been an easy year for me, but I’m also very motivated to – as soon as the season starts – prove my worth once again, at a very special club like Bayern, a huge club.
“I have a contract with Bayern for another three years, so I’ll report back on the 29 [July], which is when we start pre-season. Enjoying these vacation days with family and friends is the most important thing right now.”
Not only could Frank be embarrassed by that signing becoming a flop, but Tottenham Hotspur could also be shown up by being beaten to the transfer in the first place. Fulham reporter Jack Kelly has claimed that the Cottagers are also weighing up a move for the midfielder.
That transfer would likely be a loan and to see Palhinha choose Fulham over a big money move to Spurs would be embarrassing for Frank. Taking to social media platform X, Kelly wrote: “Fulham still retain an interest in re-signing Joao Palhinha. A loan looks likelier at this stage. One to watch.”
In other news, Tottenham 'preparing offer' for midfielder amid interest in Man Utd star.