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Tottenham Hotspur star Joao Palhinha is keen to remain in the Premier League instead of returning to Bayern Munich at the end of the season and is hoping for Hotspur Way chiefs to take advantage of the option to turn his temporary switch into a permanent agreement, GIVEMESPORT senior football correspondent Ben Jacobs has revealed.

Spurs were not afraid to splash the cash following the appointment of Thomas Frank as Ange Postecoglou's successor in the dugout, with Mohammed Kudus being the most expensive arrival following his £55million move from West Ham United, but they also dipped into the loan market during the summer transfer window.

Palhinha Eager to Stay at Spurs Beyond This Season

Palhinha wants to make a permanent move to Tottenham in 2026, according to Jacobs, as he is eager to remain in the English top flight instead of being forced to return to Bundesliga heavyweights Bayern Munich at the end of the season. The respected journalist told GMS:

"I think the Joao Palhinha signing has been excellent for Tottenham. The original agreement had an option to buy, which is set at £27million. That was something that both Tottenham and the player were very keen on factoring in as part of the deal.

"Palhinha, in particular, viewed the loan as being contingent, in many ways, on having that option to buy because he would like to be permanently back in the Premier League.

"If Spurs choose to take up the option, the player will be very happy with that because he dove into the move, wanting that permanence to begin with."

Palhinha has already made himself a regular starter under Tottenham head coach Frank and, having been described as 'world-class', he has a strong desire to extend his career with the north Londoners instead of returning to parent club Bayern Munich within the next 12 months.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Joao Palhinha won 10 duels during Tottenham Hotspur's draw with Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend

Spurs are covering the entirety of the defensive midfielder's salary during his time in the capital, which stands at £135,000-per-week before bonuses, and he set his sights on returning to the Premier League after previously enjoying a productive spell with Fulham ahead of embarking on a fresh challenge in Germany.

The 30-year-old Portugal international, who found the back of the net during Tottenham's victory over Manchester City last month, is determined to secure a place in his country's 2026 World Cup squad and was aware that he would have been forced to contend with limited game time if he remained at Bayern Munich.

Tottenham Hotspur striker Randal Kolo Muani could struggle to break into Thomas Frank's side on a regular basis this season, especially if the form of Richarlison continues.

Kolo Muani signed on loan from Juventus during the summer transfer window, late in the market as Spurs looked to bring in further attacking reinforcements. Dominic Solanke has struggled with injuries in the opening few weeks of the campaign, meaning Tottenham needed further additions in the final third.

With Kolo Muani still getting used to English football, Frank has deployed Richarlison through the middle of the attack predominantly. In four Premier League starts this campaign, the Brazilian international has struck three times, while also providing an assist. Mathys Tel has also been utilised as a centre-forward, so Kolo Muani has plenty of competition to contend with.

Kolo Muani Could Struggle for Game Time at Tottenham

Over the course of the 2025/2026 season, French striker Kolo Muani might struggle to receive as many minutes as he might have hoped for, particularly if Richarlison can continue his fine form. The Paris Saint-Germain loanee has struggled to score consistently over the last few years, barring a short spell at Juventus last campaign.

During his time at PSG, Kolo Muani has scored just 11 goals in 54 games, struggling to make an impact after his move from Eintracht Frankfurt. The French forward might not be the complete package striker that Spurs fans were hoping for in attack, and if Richarlison is able to keep up his goalscoring record, there's little reason to bring in Kolo Muani to replace him.

It will be interesting to see what happens when Solanke returns from his injury, and there's a chance that Kolo Muani could even become third choice at the club. With Kolo Muani joining on a straight loan with no buy option, it was a relatively risk-free addition towards the end of the window, so it's difficult to question the signing from a negative perspective, but there's a world where he struggles to become a regular under Frank this season.

Richarlison might not be as big a name as Kolo Muani, but he will be incredibly unfortunate to have his spot in the starting XI taken by Kolo Muani over the coming weeks when the latter is fit and ready to play.

Tottenham Hotspur had a memorable transfer window after adding the likes of Mohammed Kudus, Xavi Simons and Joao Palhinha to their side among others - but they aren't stopping there in preparation for future windows, with Sevilla winger Ruben Vargas thought to be in their sights ahead of a potential move to the English capital.

The report by Football Insider states that Spurs have identified a new winger to strengthen their squad after Manchester City blocked a move for Savinho, with Vargas being their latest target.

Report: Tottenham 'Set Sights' on Sevilla Star Ruben Vargas

It's believed that Spurs have 'set their sights' on the Sevilla winger, who has emerged as one of the names on their radar to strengthen in the wide areas of the pitch, having missed out on the silky Brazilian over the course of the summer window as well as Eberechi Eze, who joined local rivals Arsenal after they hijacked Spurs' move for his services.

Although a winger may not be a priority for the Lilywhites, given the arrival of Xavi Simons and the development of Wilson Odobert, Mathys Tel and Richarlison has negated their need for a winger, especially with Mikey Moore set to return from his loan spell at Rangers at the end of the campaign.

But Vargas would be an astute addition to their ranks, even though he only joined Sevilla back in January. The Swiss star came through the youth ranks at Luzern, before moving to Bundesliga outfit Augsburg in 2019, where he became a star in Germany with 22 goals in 161 appearances at the Augsburg Arena.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Ruben Vargas has nine goals in 54 games for Switzerland

That prompted a move to Spain, where he made 11 appearances last season. And, with a goal and three assists in four games for the Andalusian outfit already in La Liga this time around, he'd be a great addition to Tottenham's ranks if he can hit the ground running. Vargas has drawn comparisons to football legend Diego Maradona for a goal he scored that mimicked the Argentine's mazy run vs England at the 1986 World Cup.

Spurs have made a solid start to the current campaign, being one of just four sides to have racked up a minimum of ten points from their opening five games, and as the second-highest scoring side in the league, Frank has certainly got a tune out of his players as well as being successful in the Champions League with a 1-0 win over La Liga outfit Villarreal. If they can continue their strong form in both domestic competition and in Europe, Vargas could be chomping at the bit to join the north London outfit.

Tottenham Hotspur are "fully expected" to open talks in January about a permanent move for Joao Palhinha, according to TBR Football.

It was a summer of overhaul for Tottenham. The club chose to sack Europa League-winning manager Ange Postecoglou based on their poor form in the Premier League, replacing him with Thomas Frank, who established himself as a brilliant tactician during his time with Brentford.

Not only that, but soon after the transfer window closed, Spurs announced they had parted ways with chairman Daniel Levy after 25 years of service, furthering the idea that the club was being redeveloped.

With Champions League football to prepare for once again, Tottenham made numerous signings in the summer to bolster Frank's squad. Not including the recruitment of any players who, last season, spent time with the Lilywhites on loan, Spurs spent heavily to recruit creative duo Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons from West Ham United and RB Leipzig respectively, whilst also signing young defender Kota Takai and adding striker Randal Kolo Muani to their ranks on loan from Paris Saint-Germain.

Now, reports have suggested that Spurs may look to make yet another permanent addition to their squad in the upcoming winter transfer window.

Spurs Want Palhinha Permanently

As per TBR Football, Tottenham "already have their eye" on a permanent move for midfielder Joao Palhinha in January. No stranger to the Premier League following his stint with Fulham, the Portuguese was signed from Bayern Munich on loan for the 2025/26 campaign.

In the games he has played to date, Palhinha has quickly become a crucial part of the Spurs midfield, helping them pick up 10 points from the 15 available in their opening five Premier League matches. Having struggled for consistent minutes in Bavaria, the 30-year-old has successfully reminded most of his defensive abilities in North London.

Palhinha would, reportedly, be available for £27 million. Not only would signing him permanently ensure that his quality remains in the English capital, but Palhinha is one of Spurs' more experienced players, one who could guide their young midfield options such as Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Pape Matar Sarr.

Described as an "absolutely top-class player," it would be an immense addition for Spurs if they are able to negotiate a permanent deal for Palhinha. Whether this comes to fruition, however, remains to be seen.

Alasdair Gold was full of praise for Xavi Simons after the Dutch attacker came off the bench and helped Tottenham Hotspur take a point away at Brighton & Hove Albion in a 2-2 draw.

Spurs were 2-1 by the hour mark, when Thomas Frank decided to call upon Simons, and it proved to be the right call from the Dane. He made an immediate impact, giving the hosts all sorts of problems with his movement and quick feet.

Simons surprisingly started on the bench but perhaps has played his way into undisputed starter status with another impressive showing. The Lilywhites were the better side after his introduction and found an 82nd-minute equaliser through a Jan Paul van Hecke own goal.

Alasdair Gold: Xavi Simons Centrally Is Spurs' Way Forward

It looked likely to be another frustrating afternoon of Premier League action for Spurs when Brighton raced into a two-nil lead courtesy of goals from Yankuba Minteh (8') and Yasin Ayari (31'). But the visitors were given a lifeline just before the break when Richarlison found the back of the net (43').

Frank needed a creative spark, and Simons proved to be just that, flourishing on the ball and getting his side ticking. He has a fan in Gold who gave his thoughts on X: "Xavi Simons playing through the middle makes such a difference to Spurs' creativity. Needs to be the way forward."

Simons, whose performance received an 8/10 rating from Standard Sport, wasn't the only Spurs player to impress at the Amex; his fellow summer signing, Mohammed Kudus, also shone. If Frank can keep the duo fit and playing regularly together, it could make for a partnership akin to the one he developed between Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha at Brentford.

Tottenham Hotspur star Archie Gray is unlikely to push for a loan move in January despite seeing limited playing time under Thomas Frank, journalist Graeme Bailey has revealed.

The 19-year-old midfielder has played just 89 minutes of first-team football so far this season, with his only start coming on the opening weekend in Tottenham’s 3-0 home win over Burnley.

Despite a difficult start to life under the Danish tactician, Gray is expected to stay and fight for his place in the team, with Bailey comparing his situation to Lucas Bergvall’s, who has been an important player for Frank this term.

Gray was left out of Tottenham’s squad entirely for their 3-0 win over West Ham last weekend and for the 1-0 win over Villarreal in the Champions League midweek.

Archie Gray Expected to Stay at Spurs

According to Bailey, Gray’s recent absence from Tottenham’s matchday squad is likely to act as a ‘wake-up call’ for the 19-year-old rather than force him to explore a loan move in January:

“I don’t think so. I think it’s a wake-up call. Look at what Lucas Bergvall is doing. Gray is one of those players who will not shy away from a fight. I’ve seen him since he was 14, so I’m a bit biased.

“He’s an absolute superstar. He should be pushing for England contention, though he probably won’t. He has all the potential in the world, and it’s good that he’ll now be seen more as a midfielder.

“It hasn’t helped him in the past, but Tottenham appreciated what he did last season when he filled in at the back. He could do that because he’s a brilliant footballer with a brilliant football mind. That’s why he could play in defence, he is that good.”

Gray, praised as ‘phenomenal’, joined Tottenham from Leeds in the summer of 2024 and made 46 appearances in all competitions during his first season in North London.

He made 19 starts in the Premier League and another nine appearances off the bench, but has yet to register a goal contribution in his 3,300 minutes on the field.

Tottenham have spent around £180m on new signings this summer, with Xavi Simons, Mohammed Kudus and Joao Palhinha among notable arrivals.

They are sitting third in the Premier League table going into Saturday’s away clash at Brighton, having won three of their first four games.

Tottenham are showing strong interest in a potential move for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Morten Hjulmand, according to Spanish publication Fichajes.

The North London side are reportedly eyeing a big-money move for the Denmark international, with Thomas Frank particularly keen on his arrival in the Premier League, believing Hjulmand could become a key player in his midfield.

Tottenham are said to be planning to put forward an offer worth €60m (£52m) for Hjulmand in the future, although it remains unclear whether this will happen as soon as the January transfer window.

Hjulmand was linked with a move to the Premier League this summer, with Manchester United showing interest after their failed attempt to sign Brighton starlet Carlos Baleba.

The Denmark international was never going to leave Sporting this summer, as the Portuguese champions were unwilling to sanction any more departures of their top players following Viktor Gyokeres’ move to Arsenal.

Tottenham Keen on Morten Hjulmand

According to Fichajes, Sporting are aware that a move to the Premier League could be an ‘irresistible’ opportunity for Hjulmand, who has been the club’s captain since the start of the 2024/25 season.

The 26-year-old was instrumental in Sporting’s title-winning campaigns over the past two years, making 58 league appearances, scoring six goals and providing four assists.

Hjulmand joined the Portuguese club during current Man United boss Ruben Amorim’s tenure from Serie A side Lecce and has blossomed into one of the best holding midfielders in Europe since.

The Denmark international, praised as an ‘absolute monster’ by journalist Zach Lowy, is under contract at Sporting until the summer of 2028.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Hjulmand has won 21 caps for Denmark to date, with his only goal coming in the 1-1 draw with England in Euro 2024.

Tottenham have spent around £180m on new signings this summer, with Xavi Simons, Mohammed Kudus and Joao Palhinha among notable arrivals.

The Lilywhites also struck permanent deals for Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel and welcomed Randal Kolo Muani on deadline day as their final signing.

Frank’s side are sitting third in the Premier League table going into Saturday’s away clash at Brighton, having won three of their first four games.

The North London side have also started their Champions League campaign on a positive note, beating Villarreal 1-0 at home on Tuesday.

Brighton and Tottenham Hotspur will go head-to-head in the Premier League at the AMEX Stadium on Saturday afternoon as both sides look to claim a victory.

Fabian Hurzeler's side suffered a 2-1 defeat on the road to Bournemouth last time out in a disappointing performance, while Spurs got back to winning ways in the top flight with a 3-0 win over rivals Tottenham, before a midweek victory over Villarreal in the Champions League.

Both teams have some injury concerns to deal with ahead of the game, and this is how they line up.

Brighton Team News

The Seagulls have got a number of injury issues heading into this game with Jack Hinshelwood, Maxim De Cuyper and Diego Gomez all missing the clash. Solly March and Adam Webster are long-term absentees.

Brighton's XI

Starting XI: Verbruggen; Veltman, Van Hecke, Dunk, Kadioglu; Baleba, Gruda; Minteh, Rutter, Mitoma; Ayari.

Substitutes: Steele, Tzimas, Watson, Welbeck, Milner, Boscagli, Gomez, Wieffer, Coppola.

Ferdi Kadioglu, Carlos Baleba and Brajan Gruda have all come into the side, with Wieffer, James Milner and Oliver Boscagli all dropping to the bench.

Tottenham Team News

Spurs head into this game without striker Dominic Solanke, who is still dealing with an ankle problem which is said to be more serious than first feared.

James Maddison, Radu Dragusin, Dejan Kulusevski and Kota Takai are long-term absentees with injury, while Yves Bissouma is still recovering from an undisclosed knock that has seen him not feature in any game so far this campaign.

Tottenham's XI

Starting XI: Vicario, Palhinha, Richarlison, Udogie, Bergvall, Romero (c), Kudus, Pedro Porro, Odobert, Bentancur, van de Ven.

Substitutes: Kinsky (GK), Danso, Xavi, Tel, Gray, Johnson, Spence, Sarr, Scarlett.

Frank has made three changes to the side that beat Villarreal in their Champions League opener in midweek. Destiny Udogie comes in for his first start of the season as he replaces Djed Spence, who has to make do for a spot on the bench.

Pape Matar Sarr has been one of Spurs' brightest performers at the start of the campaign but, after five consecutive starts to the campaign, he has been named on the bench, with Joao Palhinha replacing him. While Wilson Odobert gets his first start of the campaign in place of Xaxi Simons.

Tottenham Hotspur beat Villarreal 1-0 in a poor Champions League encounter. Spurs got off to a fantastic start, but at the expense of Villarreal goalkeeper Luiz Junior. There appeared to be little danger to the Spanish side's goal when Lucas Bergvall put a cross in from the right, which Luiz Junior appeared to have gathered. Yet somehow the goalkeeper allowed the ball to escape his grasp and squirm in the net after only three minutes. Tajon Buchanan really should have equalised for Villarreal, but failed to test Guglielmo Vicario from 12 yards out.

As the second half progressed, it became clear this wasn't really worthy of a match in the Champions League. Both teams struggled to find any real rhythm or fluency. Bergvall showed flashes of good play, giving several hints of the player he could become, but by and large this wasn't a great attacking game. There were far too many misplaced passes for that and few threats on goal. Between the two sides they could only muster a single shot on target during the entire game. Although Spurs won't be too concerned, having kept a clean sheet and won the match.

Match Highlights

Tottenham Hotspur Player Ratings

GK: Guglielmo Vicario - 6/10

Looked a little uncertain at times, but stayed clear of errors to match his opposite number.

RB: Pedro Porro - 6.5/10

Once again, he showed what a great delivery he has with that magic right foot.

CB: Micky van de Ven - 7/10

Looked strong and powerful as ever in the Spurs back four.

CB: Cristian Romero - 7/10

Showed his leadership with his aggression and power. Made some very good recovery tackles.

LB: Djed Spence - 6.5/10

A pragmatic, if not spectacular display, but in a defensive sense, one his manager will be pleased with.

RM: Pape Sarr - 7/10

Looked lively and had a few efforts on goal.

CM: Rodrigo Bentancur - 6.5/10

Was solid enough in the middle of the park.

LM: Lucas Bergvall - 7.5/10 - Player of the Match

Looked a real danger at times as he drifted forward on attacks.

RW: Mohammed Kudus - 6/10

Not really able to put in a significant contribution for Spurs. Although he did show discipline.

CF: Richarlison - 6/10

His usual petulant self, going into the book in the first half, but was at times a pest to the opposition.

LW: Xavi Simons - 6/10

A little quieter than Spurs fans would have liked. Looked to get on the ball without having the killer touch. Fortunate not to have got a second yellow card.

SUB: Destiny Udogie - 6/10

Given a 21-minute run out with the game in the balance, made some forward runs and showed positive play.

SUB: Joao Palhinha - 6/10

Replaced Sarr to give Spurs fresh legs in midfield.

SUB: Brennan Johnson - 5/10

Almost playing as a left wing-back when he came on, so unable to provide any goal threat.

SUB: Randal Kolo Muani - 5/10

Warmly received by the Spurs fans when coming on. Looked strong and able, even if this wasn't to be his night.

SUB: Kevin Danso - N/A

Brought on in injury time.

Villarreal Player Ratings

GK: Luiz Junior - 4/10

Credited with a horrid own goal when he failed to gather a Bergvall cross from the right and spilt the ball into his own net. Although he did do ok afterwards, but the error defined his evening.

RB: Santiago Mourino - 5.5/10

Was kept pretty occupied by the threat of Bergvall and Simons.

CB: Juan Foyth - 6.5/10

Was resolute at the back after his goalkeeper's calamitous error. Would have expected to have hit the target with his header seven yards out.

CB: Renato Veiga - 6/10

Had to be on his guard after his goalkeeper's disastrous early error.

LB: Sergi Cardona - 6/10

Put in an honest shift before being replaced after 75 minutes

RM: Nicolas Pepe - 6.5/10

The former Arsenal player was busy against Spurs. Although the home fans enjoyed taunting him.

CM: Santi Comesana - 6.5/10

Rolled his sleeves up in the engine room for Villareal as they looked to stage a comeback.

CM: Pape Gueye - 5/10

Gave the ball away at times in the second half, which summed up the quality of this game.

LM: Tajon Buchanan - 6/10

Had a golden opportunity to equalise in the first half from 12 yards, but failed to hit the target.

CF: Ayoze Perez - 6/10

Showed some intelligent link-up play, although very few opportunities in the Spurs box fell his way.

CF: Georges Mikautadze - 6.5/10

Had an interesting duel with van de Ven. He looked to try and get the Spaniards back into the game.

SUB: Alfonso Pedraza - 5/10

Replaced Perez with 15 minutes left, which wasn't enough time to make an impact.

SUB: Ilias Akhomach - 5/10

Almost gave away a penalty seconds after coming on, but VAR decided against the spot kick.

SUB: Dani Parejo - 5/10

A late run out for the Spanish veteran midfielder.

SUB: Thomas Partey - 5/10

The former Arsenal man was given a lively welcome by Spurs fans. Unable to rankle them with a Villarreal equaliser.

SUB: Alberto Moleiro - 5/10

The last of the Villarreal subs to be brought on.

Tottenham are keeping a close eye on Monaco starlet Maghnes Akliouche and sent scouts to watch the 23-year-old in Ligue 1 action over the weekend, journalist Graeme Bailey has claimed.

The North London side are reportedly continuing to track the France international after considering a move during the summer transfer window, with head coach Thomas Frank sending club representatives on a mission to France.

Spurs are believed to have held internal talks about signing Akliouche this summer, but a move never materialised, while they also explored a deal for Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman late in the transfer window.

Akliouche is viewed as one of the most promising forwards in world football, with journalist David Ornstein praising the 23-year-old for his ‘outrageous potential’.

The one-cap France international, who made his Monaco first-team debut in October 2021, is under contract until June 2028, having signed a four-year extension last year.

Tottenham Eyeing Maghnes Akliouche

According to Bailey, Tottenham examined several Monaco stars on their trip to France over the weekend, with Akliouche, Vanderson and Lamine Camara all on the radar.

The North London club are already considering further steps in their ongoing rebuild under Frank and are also looking to bolster their full-back options, with a new right-sided defender on the agenda.

Akliouche, praised for his 'left foot made of gold', could also be back on the radar after being looked at this summer, having impressed early on in Ligue 1 in 2025/26.

The 23-year-old winger has registered two goals and one assist in his first four Ligue 1 appearances, helping Monaco win three games and climb to third in the standings.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Akliouche scored seven goals and provided 12 assists for Monaco in 2024/25.

Tottenham have made an impressive start to life under Frank, winning three of their first four Premier League games and sitting third in the table with only one goal conceded.

The Lilywhites produced a convincing 3-0 win away at West Ham on Saturday, with Pape Matar Sarr, Micky van de Ven and Lucas Bergvall getting on the scoresheet.

Spurs next host Villarreal in the Champions League opener on Tuesday, followed by a trip to Brighton this weekend.