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Joao Palhinha’s disciplinary record makes for interesting reading after the midfielder became Tottenham’s newest midfield addition.

If there is one thing where Palhinha excels in more than anything else, it is the ability to win back possession in the middle of the park.

Palhinha made more successful tackles than any other Premier League player during his two-year stay at Fulham. In fact, the player who was second on the list, Moises Caicedo, made 109 fewer tackles than the Portuguese star.

That is evidently why Tottenham Hotspur wanted him on board, with Thomas Frank mentioning Palhinha’s ability to break up play as his best attribute.

Will Joao Palhinha pick up a lot of cards at Tottenham?

Players who are generally as combative as the 30-year-old always run the risk of accumulating cards and suspensions.

However, Palhinha rarely tends to get sent off, with Transfermarkt revealing that the midfielder has picked up just one red card over his last three seasons across his time at Fulham and Bayern Munich.

The one potential worry for Thomas Frank is that the midfielder does tend to rack up yellow cards, having been suspended for six matches during his time at Fulham as a result of accumulating bookings.

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That means that Spurs fans can expect Palhinha to be booked very regularly, but the Portugal international is very good at toeing the line and not getting a second yellow once he is in the referee’s notebook.

Palhinha has set his sights on winning trophies at Tottenham

Joao Palhinha has said that he aims to win titles this season, with the Portuguese star insisting that Tottenham have the quality in their squad to achieve that.

The 30-year-old will have a familiar face at Spurs, having previously played alongside Pedro Porro at Sporting Lisbon.

Tottenham Hotspur are now pushing harder than ever to land James McAtee, with the Manchester City starlet emerging as a top target following James Maddison’s devastating ACL injury.

James Maddison’s latest injury setback is a big blow for Tottenham Hotspur, who are now likely to go into their first competitive match without any attacking midfielders.

It was revealed earlier that Maddison has torn his ACL and is now set to miss most of the new season, with the midfielder expected to undergo surgery.

Spurs’ woes are compounded further with Dejan Kulusevski also sidelined and set to miss the early parts of the season. The pursuit of Morgan Gibbs-White, which fell flat, now leaves Tottenham scrambling for other options.

Tottenham step up talks with Manchester City over James McAtee

TBR Football have now revealed that Tottenham Hotspur have stepped up their interest in Manchester City’s James McAtee.

The Lilywhites have been linked with the young talent since January, and, with Maddison’s latest setback, it is understood that Spurs have held fresh talks with Pep Guardiola’s side over the possibility of signing James McAtee.

It was revealed not long ago by Fabrizio Romano that City are looking for a fee in the region of £42.5m if they are to part ways with their academy graduate.

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Speaking on Tottenham’s pursuit of McAtee, Bailey told TBR Football that the North London side have been admirers of the player for some time. He said: “Tottenham have always recognised James McAtee’s talent, they tried to sign him in January, and now they are looking closely at him.”

Spurs remain active in attacking midfield market after Maddison blow

Spurs are now in a desperate position given the crisis they have in attacking midfield, and this could cause clubs to demand more from the Lilywhites.

It does seem, however, that Tottenham are in contact with Manchester City this summer, as they have also enquired about Jack Grealish’s situation.

It is no news that Tottenham have £60 million they are willing to spend on a number ten, as that was what was offered to Nottingham Forest for Morgan Gibbs-White – it is now about finding the right fit for Thomas Frank’s system.

After Joao Palhinha becomes Tottenham’s fourth signing of the summer, we take a closer look at his injury record to see whether Thomas Frank should be worried about his fitness.

The season has not even begun, and Tottenham have already suffered some significant injury blows.

James Maddison suffered a serious injury during the 1-1 draw against Newcastle on Sunday, with the attacking midfielder potentially set to miss several months of action.

Meanwhile, Destiny Udogie and Dominic Solanke have hardly featured during pre-season, although Udogie has refuted suggestions that he will be out for four months.

Should Tottenham fans be concerned about Joao Palhinha’s injury record?

Palhinha’s £47m move to Bayern Munich did not work out the way the midfielder would have wanted, and that was partly down to his injury woes.

According to Transfermarkt, the midfielder missed a total of 17 games for club and country due to injuries last term.

However, that should not concern Tottenham Hotspur fans as last season was very much the exception rather than the rule for the 30-year-old.

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Throughout his two-year spell at Fulham, Palhinha missed just one game due to an injury. His injury record at Sporting Lisbon is also nothing to be alarmed about, with the midfielder missing 10 games across a four-season spell.

All in all, it thus looks like Frank can count on the Portugal international’s availability this season.

Dejan Kulusevski and Radu Dragusin are on the mend

There have also been some positive updates regarding Tottenham’s long-term injury absentees, who are yet to train with Thomas Frank and his coaching staff.

According to reports, Radu Dragusin is ahead of schedule in his recovery from an ACL injury, which was initially expected to keep him out of the entire calendar year.

Thomas Frank has shed light on his search for a new Tottenham Hotspur captain following the exit of Heung-min Son, with the Dane expected to make a decision over the coming days.

Last month, Frank admitted that he is working through a personal checklist to help determine Tottenham’s next captain.

Frank will need to decide on a new captain before Tottenham’s Super Cup clash against PSG, which is now less than a week away.

A few days ago, the Spurs head coach spoke glowingly of Ben Davies’ leadership qualities, which some interpreted as a sign that the Welshman could be in line for the captaincy.

Thomas Frank has not finalised the next Tottenham captain yet

There is certainly a big leadership vacuum to be filled at Tottenham following the departure of Heung-min Son, but Frank believes that there are enough leaders in the dressing room who can step up.

When asked about the club missing Son’s leadership qualities, the Dane has now told Football.London: “I think there are definitely players that can step up and replace him in terms of leadership.”

When asked if he was any closer to deciding on his skipper, the 51-year-old said: “Closer, yeah, but I haven’t made a decision yet… No decision yet.”

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The Tottenham boss also elaborated on the qualities he is looking for in his new captain, admitting that good communication skills are a must, but that alone is not enough.

He added: “It’s a classic one: a leader. The guy that can be there, the guy that can lead the team on and off the pitch, get the group together and be there in tough times. But there can never only be one.

“There needs to be more than one because a leader can always have a bad day, and others need to step up. I think we, in general, prefer one that can communicate verbally, but it’s not enough if you only communicate.”

There is a clear favourite for the Tottenham captaincy

Cristian Romero wore the armband in the friendly against Bayern Munich, and according to various sources, the Argentine is the front-runner to be the next Tottenham captain.

During Tottenham’s friendly against Wycombe Wanderers last month, Cristian Romero and Thomas Frank were seen having a deep tactical discussion on the sidelines, which may be a hint that the centre-back will be Frank’s lieutenant on the pitch.

Tottenham Hotspur are turning their attention to a Manchester City star, who registered the most assists for the club last season.

It was confirmed nearly two weeks ago by Thomas Frank that Tottenham are still looking to add to their forward line before the start of the new season.

That would have likely become an even bigger priority for the North London club after the departure of Heung-min Son from Spurs.

Over the last few days, we have heard that Tottenham have launched an enquiry for Jack Grealish, and it has now emerged that another Man City star is also in the Lilywhites’ sights.

Tottenham are big fans of Manchester City winger Savinho

This update comes from GiveMeSport, who say that Savinho is on Tottenham Hotspur’s wishlist this summer as the club look to bolster their attack ahead of the new campaign.

The Brazilian was a key player for Pep Guardiola’s men last term, finishing the 2024-25 season with three goals and 11 assists across all competitions.

It is revealed that Tottenham are now eyeing a move for the silky winger after City secured the services of Rayan Cherki from Lyon.

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The report adds that the Spurs are big fans of Savinho due to his unpredictability in the final third and his creativity, and he is exactly the profile of attacker that Frank is looking to add to his squad.

Man City’s stance on Savinho revealed

GiveMeSport make it clear that, unlike with Jack Grealish, Tottenham are yet to make contact with Man City over a deal for Savinho, although the winger is very much admired by the North London.

It is revealed that a deal for the 21-year-old would be difficult for Tottenham to complete as City are not actively looking to sell the player.

In fact, it is asserted that Guardiola views Savinho as a key part of his evolving squad for the upcoming season as City look to bounce back after a difficult campaign.

An Italian publication has revealed that a Tottenham attacker, who is surplus to requirements at Spurs, has been offered to a Serie A club over the last few hours.

While four new faces have arrived through the door at Spurs this summer, the North London club have not been able to get too many players out of the door so far.

Bryan Gil has confirmed that he will be leaving Tottenham this summer, but the winger appears no closer to an exit as the new season draws closer.

Girona did not activate their €15m (£12.5m) option to buy Gil after his loan spell at the club last season, and it is unclear at the moment what the 24-year-old’s most likely destination is this summer.

Tottenham offer Bryan Gil to Bologna

It has now been revealed by the print edition of Corriere dello Sport (as relayed by Sport Witness) that the Tottenham Hotspur man has been offered to Bologna.

The Serie A club are looking for a replacement for Dan Ndoye, and they have been offered the chance to sign Gil in the ‘last few hours’.

It is the Spurs star’s agent who has proposed his name to Bologna’s technical staff in the hope of tempting them, and he is now waiting to hear back from the club.

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However, it is said that Bologna sporting director Giovanni Sartori first wanted to explore a potential Gil deal after talking to Fabio Paratici during a friendly against Como. In fact, Sartori has even sent someone from Bologna to monitor Gil’s recovery from injury at Hotspur Way.

It was reported last month that Gil was offered to Celta Vigo, who are seeking reinforcements on the flanks, but nothing appears to have materialised on that front.

Confusion over Gil’s contract situation

Interestingly, in this report, Corriere dello Sport seem confused about the Tottenham man’s contract situation. They say that while Gil’s contract runs until 2026, some sources believe that it has been extended by another year.

There has been no update in the British press about a contract extension for the winger, and it would not make sense for the player to sign one, given that he has decided to leave N17.

A Tottenham midfielder has completed a loan move to Preston North End, but he did something before leaving which suggests that he is very much in the North London club’s long-term plans.

Last month, Alasdair Gold predicted that it would be a make-or-break season for Alfie Devine at Tottenham, and one can understand why the journalist made that claim.

The attacking midfielder made his senior debut for Spurs back in January of 2021 and became the club’s youngest ever goalscorer, aged 16 years and five months, when he found the back of the net in his debut in the FA Cup.

However, he has failed to kick on as expected since then, and Devine had a mixed loan spell at Westerlo last season, with the 21-year-old being overshadowed by fellow Spurs youngster Luka Vuskovic.

Alfie Devine signs new Tottenham contract before sealing loan

It emerged earlier this week that Preston North End were in talks with Tottenham over a loan deal for Devine with an option to buy.

Spurs have now confirmed that the club’s academy graduate has indeed moved to Preston, but there is no mention of any option or obligation to buy thus far.

Additionally, the Lilywhites confirmed that Devine put pen to paper on a new contract in North London before heading out on loan to Deepdale Stadium.

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This will not be the youngster’s first taste of Championship football, with the midfielder spending the second half of the 2023-24 season at Plymouth Argyle.

A vote of confidence from Thomas Frank in Devine

There was no shortage of loan interest in the youngster, with Millwall also reportedly expressing an interest in a permanent deal for Devine.

Additionally, some sources revealed that several Eridivise clubs also showed interest in signing Devine this summer. Tottenham would have thus cashed in on the youngster if they felt he was not a first-team prospect.

Amidst reports linking Rafael Leao with a move to Tottenham, journalist Ben Jacobs has now revealed what AC Milan’s stance is on the forward.

Thomas Frank hinted that Tottenham want to add to their forward line this summer, and one would imagine that it has become an even bigger priority for the Lilywhites following the exit of Heung-min Son from Spurs.

It has been alleged by some sources that Tottenham want to replace Son with a marquee forward this summer, and one man on the North London club’s radar is a player who scored eight goals and 10 assists in Serie A last season.

It was reported a few days ago that Fabio Paratici may look to bring Rafael Leao to Spurs, with the Italian said to have an excellent relationship wth the Rossoneri hierarchy.

Journalist Ben Jacobs has now said on The Last Word on Spurs podcast that Spurs have indeed enquired about the Portuguese star’s availability.

He reveals that Leao is in ‘love’ with the Rossoneri and is certainly not clamouring to leave the club.

However, Jacobs offers Tottenham Hotspur fans some hope by saying that Milan are open to cashing in on their star man this summer.

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After failing to qualify for Europe, Massimiliano Allegri’s men are willing to sell Leao this summer to fund moves for their transfer targets.

Who are the other forwards on Tottenham’s radar?

It has been widely reported by several Spanish publications that Tottenham are plotting an audacious move for Real Madrid star Rodrygo.

Over recent days, a number of outlets have also claimed that Spurs are ready to pounce on Randal Kolo Munai should the Frenchman’s move to Juventus fall through.

Tottenham Hotspur have seemingly not given up hope of landing Randal Kolo Muani, with a new report shedding light on the Lilywhites’ chances of bringing the Frenchman through the door as his move to Juventus stalls.

Last week, it was reported by The Times that Tottenham had reignited their interest in Kolo Muani after failing to persuade him to come to N17 in January.

According to reports, PSG want €50m (£43.3m) for Kolo Muani, whose permanent move to Juventus has hit a roadblock over the Old Lady’s unwillingness to pay the full fee.

On Tuesday, TuttoSport claimed that Kolo Muani had rejected Tottenham’s advances, but a new update has suggested that a move to N17 is still very much on the cards for the 26-year-old.

Tottenham at the front of the queue for Randal Kolo Muani if Juventus move fails

This update comes from TBR Football, who have confirmed that a move to Turin remains the striker’s priority this summer.

However, the outlet suggests that the forward’s proposed move to the Allianz Stadium now ‘hangs in the balance’ as the Serie A giants have not been able to agree a deal with PSG.

It is claimed that Spurs are at the front of the queue to land Kolo Muani should his move to Juventus not go through.

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The North London club are ready to offer a starring role for the striker at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and are continuing to be informed about his situation.

Spurs have identified two Kolo Muani alternatives

TBR Football name two other forwards who have been heavily linked with a move to Spurs over recent weeks as potential alternatives for Kolo Muani: Alejandro Garnacho and Rodrygo Goes.

The outlet says that Garnacho is keen on remaining in the Premier League, with Spurs thus emerging as a potential destination for the Man United man this summer.

The report also asserts that Tottenham would be prepared to make Rodrygo their highest-paid player to attract the Real Madrid man to North London.

Heung-min Son was not short of suitors across Europe, with a host of Champions League clubs wanting to sign the Tottenham legend, but a new report has shed light on why he ultimately chose to move to the United States.

Heung-min Son has officially left Tottenham Hotspur, leaving a trail of tears all the way from Hotspur Way to the airport as he posted multiple emotional goodbye videos online.

His departure represents the end of an era at Tottenham Hotspur, and the fact that the forward has chosen against moving to another European club adds to his legacy at Spurs, with Son going down as one of the biggest legends in the club’s history.

It has now emerged that the 33-year-old certainly was not short of options across the continent as he contemplated his next destination.

Champions League clubs wanted to sign Heung-min Son from Tottenham

Football Asian have now claimed that before the one-year extension in Son’s contract was activated in January, Barcelona had informed him of their desire to sign him as a free agent this summer.

The Catalan club viewed him as both ‘a commercial and a sporting asset’ and were ready to part ways with Ansu Fati to make room for the Tottenham star.

However, the forward showed no interest in a move to Camp Nou and preferred to focus on having a strong end to the season with Spurs.

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The outlet reveals that this summer, Son attracted interest from the likes of Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Napoli, and several Premier League sides, but most of them were not willing to pay a significant transfer fee or hand the player a lengthy contract.

Why Son chose to move to the United States with LAFC

Football Asian also confirm that several Saudi Pro League clubs were willing to offer Son an extremely lucrative package, but it is revealed that money was never really a key consideration for the Tottenham legend.

He prioritised preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in North America and had been contemplating a move to the United States for over a year.

Son felt that moving to the MLS would allow him to acclimate early to the host continent of the World Cup, and thus agreed to join LAFC.