Joao Palhinha signs – Which midfielder Frank could sacrifice at Tottenham
Tottenham are interested in Bayern Munich star Joao Palhinha, who could return to London this summer.
Palhinha joined Bayern from Fulham last year, but fell out of favour in Munich and is now set to leave in search of regular football.
Tottenham are interested in a potential loan deal for the midfielder, who previously shone at Fulham before his move to the German champions.
If the 30-year-old does arrive, it will likely mean there is a departure in the position, and Thomas Frank may have already decided which midfielder he will axe.
Yves Bissouma to make way for Palhinha
Yves Bissouma has been linked with several clubs, including Juventus, and is now likely to depart this summer.
The midfielder has one year left on his contract, and his importance at Tottenham dwindled last season.
The 28-year-old could now fall victim to Frank’s axe, with the older, but more reliable Palhinha, coming in to replace him.
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Minutes played |
| Premier League | 28 | 2 | 1406 |
Bissouma has typically played as the deepest midfielder in the team, and Palhinha would likely slot straight in as a direct replacement, leading to his exit in the transfer window.
However, another Spurs midfielder must also be wary of losing his place, even if Bissouma leaves.
Rodrigo Bentancur’s starting place is in danger
- Bissouma could leave to make room for Palhinha to join.
- Palhinha could still replace Rodrigo Bentancur in the starting XI.
Rodrigo Bentancur could also be in trouble if Palhinha arrives as the main number six with two more forward-thinking midfielders alongside him.
Lucas Bergvall or Pape Matar Sarr could start alongside a creative player such as James Maddison in a midfield three, or one of them could drop alongside Palhinha in a pivot.
A midfield duo of Bentancur and Palhinha would be solid defensively, but may not progress the ball enough, and if the Portugal star does join, it seems likely that Bentancur would be the one sacrificed in the middle.
Having more legs in the middle will help Spurs defensively, and this will also allow the other midfielders to push further forward, making Palhinha a fundamental signing for Frank this summer.
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