TBR Football

Joao Palhinha is now at Tottenham after a difficult 2024/25 campaign with Bayern Munich.

The Portugal international found his first experience of German football to be quite underwhelming, making just six Bundesliga starts after a £47m move from Fulham in July 2024.

As a result, the 30-year-old is now back in London on loan, where he made a name for himself at Fulham, and the presence of Pedro Porro at Tottenham should help him settle back in.

Palhinha praised Porro during his first interview with Spurs, after the pair made 57 appearances together for Sporting CP.

There is another player at Tottenham who Joao Palhinha knows well, although Spurs are likely to sell him.

Joao Palhinha unlikely to get chance to play alongside Manor Solomon once again

The man born in Lisbon made 21 appearances alongside Manor Solomon at Fulham during the 2022/23 campaign, and seemed to enjoy himself.

Palhinha told Solomon it “was a pleasure” to share the pitch with him during that season, as the Cottagers beat Chelsea and drew against Liverpool in what was a strong campaign.

However, the Israel international could leave Tottenham before getting the chance to play alongside the Portuguese maestro once again.

TBR Football understand Tottenham are open to selling Solomon for £20m after an impressive loan spell at Leeds last term, where he scored ten goals and provided 12 assists in 39 Championship appearances.

The 26-year-old was understood to be keen on staying in north London and hoped to impress Thomas Frank, but the fact he is yet to play a single second of football in any friendly this summer strongly suggests the winger is on his way out.

Leeds remain keen on signing Solomon, and could make a late move to bring him back to Elland Road, sources have informed TBR Football.

Heung-min Son definitely leaving Tottenham

While Solomon is yet to find a new club, another attacker at Tottenham is edging closer to an exit.

Heung-min Son is nearing a move to LAFC after deciding to call time on his successful Spurs career, having incredibly scored 173 goals in 454 games for the north Londoners, also providing 101 assists.

Following the arrival of Mathys Tel on loan from Bayern Munich last season, Tottenham Hotspur have now completed a temporary move to bring Joao Palhinha to the club.

Joao Palhinha made his name in the Premier League whilst playing for Fulham — he quickly earned a reputation for being one of the toughest defensive midfielders in England.

Of course, Thomas Frank has been bereft of that kind of player during his short stint at Tottenham so far.

At Brentford, Frank had Christian Norgaard playing as his physically imposing number six, a midfield leader who often dropped into the backline.

And whilst Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur might both feel as if they can operate in a holding role, they don’t offer the same qualities as Palhinha.

Gary Lineker and Micah Richards excited by Tottenham signing Joao Palhinha

That being said, both Gary Lineker and Micah Richards have delivered their honest thoughts on Tottenham signing Palhinha on ‘The Rest Is Football’ podcast.

Palhinha is excited to get going at Tottenham, and both pundits were similarly enthused to see the Portugal international back in the Premier League.

Palhinha was linked with several big moves before leaving Fulham for Bayern.

And although it hasn’t worked out for the 30-year-old in the Bundesliga, he could still have a lot to offer in N17.

Lineker began: “Interesting start to the season in terms of who they’ve bought and even in their pre-season friendlies, Spurs.

“Just hearing that Palhinha’s loan move has been confirmed.”

Richards interjected: “What a signing.”

Lineker: “Really solid Premier League player, really good. So an impressive start, I think, for Thomas Frank.

“Beat Arsenal, of course, I know these pre-season friendlies mean absolutely nothing, but it’s still good for your confidence.

“Kudus has come, Kevin Danso, Mathys Tel as well — he was on loan last season, of course, they’ve taken that option to buy. So, you know, good business for Thomas Frank.”

Marco Silva has already outlined why Joao Palhinha can be crucial for Spurs

Although the job was ultimately given to Frank, Tottenham were interested in Fulham boss Marco Silva to replace Ange Postecoglou this summer.

Daniel Levy has now explained his decision to sack Postecoglou in order to appoint Frank, a move which many Spurs fans now seem to have accepted.

But when it comes to what Palhinha can add in north London, Silva’s words should still be pertinent to Tottenham fans.

Speaking back in 2023, Silva claimed that Palhinha’s qualities were ‘hard to find in football’.

Silva said: “He leads through his attitude, he’s not the most vocal guy and he’s improving his English as well. I want him to be more vocal and in that position it’s important.

“His attitude, his commitment, the way he leads the others around are things that are hard to find in football.

“In moments [when] we lose the ball, his reaction is impressive and we want to take the best from him and in other moments we want him to keep improving.”

TBR Football has been told that Tottenham Hotspur remain adamant that another attacking midfielder will be signed after James Maddison’s injury.

The North London club had already been looking in that area for reinforcements, with Dejan Kulusevski also sidelined with an injury.

Tottenham attempted to sign Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest, although the 25-year-old ended up signing a new contract.

But the message from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium remains clear that they will attempt to land another number ten this summer.

Tottenham remain intent on signing a midfielder after James Maddison’s injury

Tottenham Hotspur insist that James Maddison’s ‘brutal’ injury only underlines their belief they need a new midfielder this summer, TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey has been told.

Thomas Frank has now been left quite short in terms of creativity in the midfield with Maddison returning to the injury table.

Pape Matar Sarr has been the player tasked with filling the number ten role during pre-season, meanwhile, Lucas Bergvall was spotted there during training.

Tottenham have drawn up a list of targets, as revealed by TBR Football, which currently includes James McAtee, Jacob Ramsey, Alejandro Garnacho and Harvey Elliott.

Son Heung-min’s departure could also see Spurs move for a left winger, although Frank has hinted at finding an internal replacement at Tottenham.

Son has agreed to join LAFC, TBR Football sources have been told, with the final details of the deal being ironed out between the two clubs.

In his place, TBR Football exclusively reported that Tottenham would be willing to match Rodrygo’s wages to bring him to N17.

In a recent interview, Daniel Levy insists Frank will be backed in the transfer window, but he will need to get a move on with 28 days left.

Graeme Le Saux thinks Thomas Frank will be gutted by James Maddison’s injury

Graeme Le Saux believes Frank will be gutted by Maddison’s injury, having been so excited to work with talented players like the 28-year-old midfielder.

‘The former Leicester City player’s chances of making the 2026 World Cup squad will also have been dealt a major blow if he is ruled out for a lengthy period of time.

Maddison told Sky Sports: “He will have had hopes of having a great season with Tottenham and working his way into the England squad.

“If it’s a long-term injury, you’ve got to just take your time and build yourself back, and it’s the inevitable risk when you cross that line.

“Particularly for James Maddison, he had injuries last season and he was looking to be a key player in this Spurs team. Thomas Frank was obviously very excited to be working with players of the quality of Maddison.”

Daniel Levy has chosen Thomas Frank as his 16th manager in 25 years in charge of Tottenham Hotspur.

Thomas Frank arrives at Tottenham Hotspur following six successful seasons at Brentford, and he is now tasked with bringing sustained success to North London.

Frank has already impressed staff at Tottenham just a few weeks into the job, and his team’s recent 1-0 win over Arsenal will have certainly helped.

But the Lilywhites have their eyes on the biggest prizes, and the 51-year-old head coach is the latest head coach tasked with taking them to the top of English football.

Thomas Frank told Tottenham’s expectations by Daniel Levy

Frank has been told by Daniel Levy that he will be given time to deliver the biggest honours at Tottenham, but ultimately, winning titles is the aim.

Back in June, Levy spoke about his ambitions of Tottenham winning the Premier League and the Champions League following their Europa League triumph.

The Spurs chairman now wants to bring sustained success to the North London club, and he believes that Frank is the man who can deliver that in N17.

When asked by Gary Neville why he believes Frank is the right appointment to take Spurs to the top, Levy told The Overlap: “I think Thomas is a highly intelligent individual. I think he’s got a fantastic way about him in terms of communication.

“I think he will be great at developing both young players and older players and making them better. He gets the style of football we want to play.

“He understands that, you know, Rome wasn’t built today. We haven’t said to him, you’ve got to win the league this year.”

Neville then jokingly asked him: “So when does he have to win it?”, to which Levy responded: “As soon as possible, but no pressure. Look, we just want to compete at the highest level.”

Levy also promised to back Frank in the transfer window, with Mohammed Kudus and Kota Takai his first two additions in charge.

But having just lost Son Heung-min to his final game in a Tottenham shirt, and James Maddison suffering a bad-looking injury, plenty of new arrivals are still required.

Daniel Levy on Tottenham winning more trophies

Levy, who could take on a new role at Tottenham, has also revealed that winning the Europa League title back in May has motivated him even more to win further silverware.

He admitted that Tottenham should and could have won so much more during his time at the club, having been in multiple semi-finals and finals.

Levy added: “So nothing has changed in terms of our ambition. It’s always been the case. I think that having won the Europa League, thanks to Ange, you get a taste of it, but it’s not enough. And it’s never been enough.

“I mean, we’ve been, I think, in 16 or 17 semi-finals, seven finals, and we haven’t won enough. We now need to use that as a springboard to keep winning because that’s what this is all about. We’ve won two trophies in the last 20-plus years. We’ve been so close so many times.”

Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of Joao Palhinha on loan from Bayern Munich.

The 30-year-old joins on loan from Bayern Munich and Spurs will have the option to make the deal permanent at the end of the season.

Palhinha had a poor season at Bayern following his £47m move from Fulham last summer, but under Thomas Frank, he will be hoping to return to his best.

TBR Football understands that Tottenham think Palhinha can become a key player for Frank, in a position where the team needed a significant upgrade.

The Portuguese international has now been speaking about the move to North London and revealed the teammate he is looking forward to playing alongside.

Joao Palhinha on playing alongside Pedro Porro again

Joao Palhinha claims that he is looking forward to the opportunity of playing alongside Tottenham Hotspur defender Pedro Porro again.

The duo were teammates during their spell at Sporting CP, in which they won the Liga Portugal.

The former Fulham midfielder is now hoping that they can win more trophies together following his return to London.

Palhinha told SpursOfficial: “We played at Sporting together, we won the league there, we have great memories together.

“I told him when I spoke to him in the last few weeks that I hope to win titles again with him. For me, he’s a top player, one of the best right-backs as well, and I’m really motivated to win titles with him again.”

Porro and Palhinha both now bring a great deal of experience and know-how in terms of winning to Frank’s team.

Palhinha enjoyed a great summer, having won the Bundesliga with Bayern before also winning the Nations League with Portugal.

Joao Palhinha could get back to his best in the Premier League

The Portuguese international has admitted that he’s buzzing to be back in the Premier League, where he had so much success previously in West London.

Palhinha spent two seasons in the English top-flight ahead of his move to Bayern, in which he gained a reputation for his strong tackling.

Since the start of the 2022/23 season, only Moises Caicedo and Idrissa Gueye have made more tackles than him, despite him missing one full season.

Palhinha added: “It’s an amazing feeling to return to the Premier League and to London, I’m somewhere I already know.

“I’m so happy to be here again and enjoy the Premier League because, in my opinion, I always said, it’s the best league in the world.”

Thomas Frank becomes the latest manager to work under Daniel Levy at Tottenham Hotspur.

Frank has been making a big impression at Tottenham already following his first few weeks at the football club.

The Danish manager is tasked with building on Spurs’ Europa League triumph last term, whilst also helping improve the team’s position in the Premier League.

Levy has now been speaking about Tottenham Hotspur’s plans for the transfer window under their new manager and how they will be looking to support him.

Daniel Levy insists Tottenham plan to support Thomas Frank “to the best of our ability” with transfers

Daniel Levy states that Tottenham will look to back Thomas Frank “to the best of our ability” in the transfer window.

However, the Spurs chairman was quick to add that it’s “not all about money” and that plenty of things need to come together for a team to win.

Levy claims the North London club have spent around £700m net since the opening of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which makes them one of the top spenders in the Premier League.

Levy told The Overlap: “We will support him to the best of our ability. If you look at transfer fees, we’ve been in the top four since the stadium opened. I think we’ve spent close to £700m net on new players.

“This isn’t just about money, this is about some luck, having the right balance in the team, having the right coach – there are a lot of things that have to come together.

“So I very much hope that Thomas will bring all the right ingredients and bring this team to where it belongs, which is right at the top.”

The Danish manager will need help with new arrivals following James Maddison’s injury and Son Heung-min leaving the club for LAFC.

Tottenham have already spent a fair amount this summer, signing Mohammed Kudus for £55m, Kota Takai for around £5m, whilst also making deals for Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso permanent.

Tottenham’s plans for the summer transfer window

It’s clear that a left winger is going to be targeted in the final weeks of the transfer window after Son played his final game for Tottenham.

TBR Football understands that Tottenham have looked at Rodrygo Goes, Randal Kolo Muani and Alejandro Garnacho as options.

Spurs have budgeted to make a big-name addition in the left wing role after losing such a key name in their squad.

Another attacking midfielder also appears to be on the agenda, with Tottenham missing out on Morgan Gibbs-White’s signature, who instead signed a new deal with Nottingham Forest.

As mentioned, Maddison’s injury only further underlines Spurs’ need for a new number ten, as they are also missing Dejan Kulusevski through injury.

Destiny Udogie’s injury means that another left-back is also required with Djed Spence having to cover both sides of the defence.

There’s plenty of work that still needs to be done on Spurs’ squad, and Levy must now prove he’s willing to back his new manager in the final month of the window.

TBR Football understands that Tottenham Hotspur are keeping very close tabs on Paris Saint-Germain attacker Randal Kolo Muani.

As revealed by TBR Football, Tottenham attempted to sign Kolo Muani back in January, but he instead opted to sign for Juventus.

The Italian club want to make the deal for the Frenchman permanent; however, talks with PSG are not progressing well at this stage.

Kolo Muani is giving Juve his priority as he looks to leave the Parc Des Princes, but Spurs are waiting in the background in case a deal cannot be agreed.

Tottenham front of the queue to sign Randal Kolo Muani

Tottenham Hotspur are at the front of the queue to sign PSG attacker Randal Kolo Muani in case his move to Juventus fails, sources have told TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey.

The North London club do not want to annoy Juventus and risk ruining their strong relationship with the Serie A giants.

The striker enjoyed a great six-month loan spell in Turin last season as he netted ten goals in 22 matches for Juventus.

Tottenham offered Kolo Muani a starring role in North London and the chance to become the successor to Son Heung-min, but at the time, he decided to join Juve instead.

Kolo Muani, who cost PSG £77m, remains intent on signing for the Old Lady, but a return to the Allianz Stadium is currently in the balance.

Back in April, Tottenham asked to be kept informed on Kolo Muani’s situation, and that remains the case three months on.

Son played his final game for Tottenham on Sunday, and the Lilywhites are looking for a new left-sided attacker. The 26-year-old fits the bill perfectly, but he is not the only option.

Alejandro Garnacho and Rodrygo Goes are also on Tottenham’s list

Alejandro Garnacho and Rodrygo Goes are among the other names on Tottenham’s list of replacements for their former 33-year-old captain.

As revealed by TBR Football, Tottenham are one of the clubs monitoring Garnacho, whom Ruben Amorim is keen for Manchester United to sell this summer.

Garnacho is keen to stay in the Premier League, and one of his options could be a move to North London.

TBR Football also exclusively revealed that Tottenham would be willing to make Rodrygo their highest earner.

The Brazilian is also open to the prospect of a move to North London, with talks having already started with intermediaries.

Tottenham are believed to have budgeted for a big-name arrival to replace Son, and it will be fascinating to see what develops over the coming weeks.

In a devastating blow for the England international, James Maddison left Tottenham Hotspur’s pre-season friendly with Newcastle United on crutches.

James Maddison started on the bench for Tottenham but entered the game as a second half substitute for Archie Gray.

However, just 10 or so minutes after coming on, Maddison was soon laid on the pitch in agony, clutching the same knee he injured last season.

After the game, Thomas Frank gave an update on Maddison’s injury, and all the early signs are quite worrying in regards to Maddison playing for Tottenham in the near future.

And following Spurs missing out on Morgan Gibbs-White, who signed a new deal with Nottingham Forest despite interest from Tottenham, Frank could have an issue in the number 10 role.

Tottenham should turn to Jack Grealish after James Maddison knee injury

Earlier in the summer, Spurs were interested in signing Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace.

However, with Arsenal now leading the race for Eze, that ship looks to have sailed in N17.

As a result, Tottenham have been linked with Jack Grealish, who is free to leave Manchester City this summer owing to his limited chances under Pep Guardiola.

Jack Grealish is available for loan, and a move to bring the former Aston Villa star to north London for the season might now be very sensible for Spurs.

And in that regard, Tottenham legend Harry Kane made some interesting comments about Grealish all the way back in 2021, ones which perhaps explain why the midfield maverick deserves a chance to prove his worth at Spurs.

Speaking on The Overlap about Grealish playing at the Euros, Kane said: “I love Jack, just love Jack as a player. Fantastic.

“From when he came in and I started training with Jack, we just had a real connection.

“He sees the game a lot how I see it in terms of how he passes, how he moves, always looking forward, always rapping balls in, trusting your team-mate to have the touch and be able to handle it.

“He’s a real player and one who’s going to be very special for the future.”

Jack Grealish might not be the right fit for Thomas Frank

Manchester Evening News have recently reported that Grealish could be available for £40m this summer if an interested side sought a permanent move.

And that would of course be a big discount on the £100m Man City paid Aston Villa for his services in 2021.

But even with that considered, TBR Football Tottenham correspondent Jamie Brown was personally unsure about a move for Grealish, listing his own reservations.

Brown said: “When Tottenham targeted Gibbs-White, it was clear the type of number ten Thomas Frank was after — a player who can create but also a player who can press from the front and bring energy to Spurs’ midfield.

“Firstly on Grealish, I’m not entirely convinced he’ll recapture his form from his Aston Villa days, following what was another disappointing season at Man City, with just three goals and five assists.

“Then you question whether he’d bring the work ethic that a player like Gibbs-White would have done if the deal had gone through.

“He’s a good player but not sure he’s the type of midfielder Frank would enjoy.”

Tottenham Hotspur now need to replace Son Heung-min following his final game for the North London club.

After 10 years and 454 matches, Son has played his final game for Tottenham in what was an emotional send-off in his home nation of South Korea.

Son has established himself as the most lethal finisher in football since 2014, so sorting a replacement will be a tricky task for Johan Lange and his team.

Thomas Frank could find an internal solution to replace Son, but if they are to dip into the transfer window, here are five players TBR Football believes they should target.

Rafael Leao

Tottenham could launch an audacious attempt to land Rafael Leao, who’s been called ‘one of the best players in the world’.

Fabio Paratici knows Leao well, and the Italian director could play a key role in any move for the AC Milan forward.

The 26-year-old enjoyed a strong campaign at the San Siro as he netted 12 goals and 13 assists in 50 appearances for Milan.

The Rossoneri missing out on the Champions League means they could be forced into a sale, and Spurs should at least be making a push to sign him.

Rodrygo Goes

TBR Football exclusively revealed that Tottenham have held talks with Rodrygo Goes through intermediaries.

The Brazilian has indicated that he would be open to a move to North London, given his desire to be playing regular football ahead of next summer’s World Cup.

Spurs are keen to make a statement at left wing following the departure of Son and signing the Madrid star would certainly represent a marquee addition.

Liverpool and Arsenal also want Rodrygo, so actually bringing the 24-year-old to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium would be tricky.

Alejandro Garnacho

TBR Football understands that Alejandro Garnacho is on Tottenham’s list of targets, with the Argentine free to leave Manchester United this summer.

The 21-year-old has fallen out with Ruben Amorim, and the Red Devils are now believed to be open to offers worth around £40m.

Last season, the winger still managed to match Son’s goal tally of 11 goals, and he is keen to remain in the Premier League with his next move.

Frank’s assistant coach, Justin Cochrane, worked with Garnacho at United, and his good relationship with the player could help bring him to Spurs.

Ademola Lookman

Tottenham have been linked with Ademola Lookman since at least 2018 and he has been through a lot since then.

The winger has gone from Everton to RB Leipzig to Fulham to Leicester and then finally to Atalanta, where he has exploded into life.

The winger netted an extraordinary hat-trick in the 2024 Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen to become a contender for the last Ballon d’Or.

Lookman handed in a transfer request on Sunday, but he looks set to remain in Italy and move to Inter Milan, so that deal could be tricky to hijack.

Kenan Yildiz

A surprise name for the left wing could be Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz, and this is where Paratici’s expertise on the Italian market could come into play.

The Turkish international has established himself as one of the best wingers in Serie A, but for the right offer, perhaps Juventus could be tempted to sell.

Son Heung-min has played his final match for Tottenham Hotspur after a 1-1 draw with Newcastle United.

On Saturday, Son revealed that he would be leaving Tottenham following 10 years at the North London club.

As first revealed by TBR Football, LAFC have been in talks to sign Son and now a deal is close to being finalised with Spurs.

The 33-year-old will remain in South Korea whilst the rest of the team return to London, and after his final game in a Spurs shirt, the club’s players have been hailing their now former teammate.

Tottenham players hail Son Heung-min after his final match

Tributes from Tottenham Hotspur players have been pouring in for Son Heung-min as he completes his final match in Spurs colours.

After 10 years and 454 matches for the Lilywhites, the curtain falls on Son’s time at Spurs with his final competitive game seeing him lift the Europa League trophy.

Son has been the most lethal finisher in football since 2014, and Tottenham will find it very tricky to replace such a key player.

Thomas Frank could find an internal solution to replace Son, although the Lilywhites may opt to dip into the transfer market.

But in the meantime, Spurs’ stars have been taking to social media to react to Son’s departure after ten years at the football club.

Pedro Porro wrote on his Instagram: “My Captain. I can’t thank you enough for your help and guidance since I’ve been here. A big part of the reason why I am so happy here is because of your support, along with the memories we’ve made together in this squad.

“With what you mean to this club, you are the true example of a top professional, and you leave Tottenham not only as a legend, but also as a brother to all of us. Best of luck mi amigo

Pape Matar Sarr was also full of praise for the South Korean: “To a Tottenham Hotspur and Premier League legend, thank you for your leadership and all of the memories, my friend. Seeing how much you mean to this club has been so inspiring for me, and being a part of the journey has been an honour.

“I’m happy that you leave Spurs as a winner and wish you the best of luck on your next chapter. Thank you, Sonny.”

Richarlison: “Sonny, it’s going to feel a bit strange looking to the side on the pitch and not seeing you there. You are not only a great friend but also an example of a professional, a leader, and a human being.

“You made history wearing the Spurs shirt, and I’m so happy that I was able to win such an important title alongside you. You truly deserved it! May your future be filled with great joy, health, and success. It was an honour! I’m sure our paths will cross again. Thank you!”

One of his former long-time teammates, Kieran Trippier, also had some nice words for him: “Good luck on your next chapter. It’s been a pleasure to share the field with you.”

Son Heung-min’s final interview as a Tottenham player

Son has just given his final interview as a Tottenham player following what was an emotional day in his home country.

The 33-year-old admits that Spurs will always be in his heart, and now, he will be watching the club as a supporter.

Speaking about the 10 years, Son told SpursOfficial: “Incredible. It was incredible. It’s gone so fast, the 10 years, some beautiful moments, and I can only think about the beautiful moments.

“Spurs will always be in my heart, and I will cheer you as a family member, so all the best, guys.”