Overview
- Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi said he is 100 percent set on keeping Joao Palhinha, who is on loan from Bayern Munich with an option to buy widely reported at about £26–27 million.
- Spurs are considering activating the clause at season’s end, with multiple reports saying the club wants to negotiate a lower fee and that Bayern could be open to talks.
- Palhinha has shifted opinion with on-field impact, scoring the late winner at Wolves that ended a long league drought and producing a strong display at Aston Villa.
- Reporters describe a midfield template taking shape under De Zerbi, with Palhinha’s ball-winning behind Rodrigo Bentancur and Conor Gallagher giving the side balance in a tight survival fight.
- A new report says Sporting CP and Benfica have asked about Palhinha and that a return to Portugal appeals to him, though Spurs hold the purchase option and no decision has been finalized.