João Palhinha edges closer to Sporting, but Tottenham won't give up | OneFootball

João Palhinha’s return to Alvalade continues to gather momentum behind the scenes, but Tottenham have still not given up on keeping the Portuguese international in the squad for 2026/27. After an intense season in London, the midfielder posted an emotional message on social media this Monday that quickly set Sporting fans alight.

“A reflection of all the emotion experienced! When I arrived, I knew Tottenham were a big club, but big clubs are not measured only by the table, they are also measured by their fans. You showed that in the decisive moments,” wrote the Portuguese holding midfielder, in a post many supporters saw as a possible farewell signal.

The Sporting reaction was immediate. On social media, calls multiplied for Palhinha to return “home”, especially at a time when Sporting remain determined to secure the return of the midfielder developed in Alcochete. According to gathered information, the Lions remain in active contact with the player, his agents, and also Bayern Munich, who hold the Portuguese international’s registration.

It should be remembered that Bayern paid Fulham €51 million to sign Palhinha and have already made it known internally that they do not count on the midfielder for next season. Even so, the process remains far from simple for Sporting.

Tottenham gained important financial breathing room after securing survival in the Premier League - a scenario confirmed precisely by a goal from João Palhinha against Everton - and still have an active €30 million purchase option clause.

In addition, Roberto De Zerbi likes the Portuguese midfielder’s profile and wants to keep counting on him after one of the most productive seasons of the player’s career, which ended with seven goals in 45 matches. Even so, at Alvalade there is a belief that the emotional factor could weigh heavily in the final decision. The midfielder is willing to significantly lower his salary and views a return to Lisbon positively, especially for family reasons.

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