Tottenham Hotspur ‘keen’ to agree deal for Bundesliga midfielder | OneFootball

Tottenham already leaning towards permanent Palhinha deal

Tottenham Hotspur are already considering making Joao Palhinha’s loan move a permanent transfer, according to TalkSport. The Portuguese international has quickly established himself as a key figure under Thomas Frank, impressing with both his influence in midfield and his adaptability across positions.

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Palhinha’s immediate impact in North London

Since arriving from Bayern Munich on loan, Palhinha has played eight matches across all competitions and contributed two goals. His opener in the 2-0 victory away at Manchester City stood out as a statement of his big-game temperament, while his overhead kick against Doncaster in the Carabao Cup highlighted both technique and confidence.

Tottenham have won five games since his arrival and currently sit third in the Premier League table. That record is no coincidence, with Palhinha’s physical presence, reading of the game and leadership qualities strengthening a squad adapting to Frank’s methods.

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The deal to secure him permanently is thought to be valued at around £27 million. For a 30-year-old who has already adjusted seamlessly back into English football, the fee is significant yet looks like value in today’s market.

Trust between player and coach

One striking element of Palhinha’s early time in North London has been his relationship with Thomas Frank. The midfielder has spoken openly about how the manager’s approach persuaded him to make the move.

He said: “I feel really grateful for Thomas and the rest of the people at Tottenham to give me this opportunity to shine again in the Premier League. It was an easy decision for me, it was not too difficult to decide to come. Because when you feel like someone, like Thomas in this case, wants you, it makes everything more easy.”

Palhinha added: “For me, now that I’m sharing the pitch, these moments with him, for sure, that is his best quality. Apart, of course, from the other tactical really good things that he has. But the main thing for me, and the most important thing in the coach, is to be a real human being, like to be a great person.”

Those remarks underline the wider atmosphere Frank has tried to create at Spurs, with openness and respect forming the backbone of the squad’s progress.

Versatility adding extra value

While Palhinha has largely been used as a holding midfielder, he was deployed as a centre-back in the Doncaster win and adapted with ease. That versatility is something Frank himself emphasised post-match.

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“Very happy. He has been very good for us since he joined. Again, just stepping into that centre-back role and played very well and scored a very good goal. So, yeah, pleased,” the manager told reporters.

For Tottenham, that kind of adaptability strengthens the argument for making his move permanent. A player capable of anchoring midfield, marshalling defence, and contributing goals is a rare commodity.

Future decision taking shape

As it stands, Tottenham look poised to exercise their £27 million option. With Palhinha settled quickly, thriving under Frank and bringing valuable experience from his time in both the Premier League and Bundesliga, the case for permanence appears compelling.

Spurs face Wolves this weekend, and once again the spotlight will fall on a player whose influence has already reshaped the rhythm of Frank’s evolving side.

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Palhinha has come in and instantly improved the team. The midfield looks far more secure, the defence has extra protection, and there is an edge of authority in games that sometimes was missing last season. His goal at Manchester City sent a message that he can perform at the highest level, and that overhead kick in the Carabao Cup is the sort of moment supporters love to remember.

At 30 years old, some might argue that £27 million is steep. But for Spurs, this is about balancing experience with the younger talents already in the squad. Palhinha knows the Premier League, he has the physicality and discipline required, and he is not a player who will take time to adapt. You are paying for a proven performer rather than potential, and in this team that makes sense.

Another factor is his relationship with Thomas Frank. Fans can see the trust between them and it reflects on the pitch. That kind of understanding is not easily bought adding permanent stability in midfield through Palhinha feels like the right call.

It would also be a statement of intent from the club. Too often in the past, Spurs have hesitated on loan deals or stop-gap signings. By acting decisively here, the club would show they are serious about building on momentum. Supporters will expect this deal to be tied up quickly.