‘Won’t take much longer’ – Spurs about to sign star who ticks three key boxes for Frank
Thomas Frank has been eager to add to his squad at Tottenham after an abysmal 2024/25 domestic campaign.
Daniel Levy has so far helped to facilitate the transfer of Mohammed Kudus and Kota Takai, while Morgan Gibbs-White had been expected to follow but U-turned and signed a new contract with Nottingham Forest.
Though incomings have slowed down in recent weeks, the effort is still there to bring in fresh faces, and Frank looks set to sign someone who ticks a lot of boxes for Spurs.
Joao Palhinha closing in on move to Tottenham
Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha now looks to be closing in on a return to the Premier League.
The Portuguese international is said to be joining Spurs on loan with an option to buy for around £30million.
Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund confirmed the departure of Palhinha after their friendly with Lyon.
As per Sky Sport Germany (2 August), Freund said: “He is released. If everything goes smoothly, this won’t take much longer.”
The midfielder joined the German giants last summer from Fulham, but has failed to make his mark in the Bundesliga.
Before heading overseas, Palhinha gained recognition as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, hence why Fulham demanded a £47million fee.
The 30-year-old defensive midfielder earned a lot of praise for his performances, most notably from his former manager Marco Silva.
Silva was encouraged by his work ethic, saying previously: “Joao is a warrior. He gives everything on the pitch – aggression, intensity, intelligence. He’s one of the best in his position anywhere in the Premier League.”
Aggression, intensity and intelligence were three qualities that Spurs lacked last season, and Palhinha could make an instant impact in midfield by ticking all three of those boxes for Frank.
Palhinha signing could spell the end for Bissouma
Yves Bissouma‘s time in North London could be coming to an end this summer.
| Player | Passes completion | Progressive passes | Tackles |
| Bissouma | 88.6% | 4.48 | 3.09 |
| Palhinha | 92.4% | 4.68 | 3.19 |
The 28-year-old has failed to live up to expectations at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and Spurs can’t put up with his laziness for the next campaign.
Frank has young and hungry midfielders in Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray at his disposal, and with Palhinha coming in, it is likely someone will have to make way.
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