Portugal international could spark new Benfica-Sporting derby | OneFootball

Another intense derby is brewing between Benfica and Sporting, but this time because of João Palhinha. Based on the information shared in recent hours, the Lions want the midfielder back, while the Eagles have rekindled their interest in the player currently representing Tottenham.

According to an exclusive report broadcast by NOW, Sporting are considering the return of the Portuguese international as a way to fill the gap left by Morten Hjulmand, who is expected to be transferred in the summer. However, the club led by Frederico Varandas is not alone in the race for the Portuguese international.

The same source explains that Benfica have also renewed their enquiry for the Portuguese player, who is currently on loan at Tottenham from Bayern Munich. However, NOW says that Sporting are in the stronger position, given that they have reportedly already made João Palhinha aware of the contract terms, which include the captain’s armband.

João Palhinha will therefore be another battleground between the two Segunda Circular rivals in the summer market. It is worth recalling that the two Lisbon sides are also competing for Issa Doumbia, the Italian midfielder who once again caught the eye for Venezia, by scoring an excellent goal in the match against Palermo.

This season, playing for Tottenham, João Palhinha — valued at €18 million — has already made 42 official appearances: 39 in the Premier League, eight in the Champions League, two in the English League Cup, one in the FA Cup and one in the UEFA Super Cup. In the 2,668 minutes he has spent on the pitch, the defensive midfielder has scored six goals and provided two assists.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.