João Palhinha ‘to spark’ new Benfica and Sporting transfer derby

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·10. Mai 2026

João Palhinha ‘to spark’ new Benfica and Sporting transfer derby

Another derby between Benfica and Sporting could be brewing over João Palhinha.

According to NOW, Sporting are exploring a return for the midfielder to offset a possible summer exit for Morten Hjulmand. Benfica have also revived their interest in the Tottenham player, who is on loan from Bayern Munich.

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The report adds that Sporting are better placed, having already outlined contract terms to Palhinha that include the captain’s armband.

Palhinha would be another head-to-head for the Lisbon rivals in the summer window. They are also pursuing Issa Doumbia, the Italian midfielder who impressed again for Venezia with a fine goal against Palermo.

For Tottenham this season, Palhinha, valued at 18 million euros, has made 42 competitive appearances, scoring six goals and supplying two assists in 2,668 minutes.

Source: Glorioso 1904