Spurs are closing in on Joao Palhinha but the Sporting Lisbon midfielder will only join the Premier League giants if Moussa Sissoko is sold first, according to A Bola.
For all Sissoko brings to Tottenham Hotspur in terms of energy and determination, let’s be honest, he lacks in technical ability.
How many times have you seen the France international shank a simple pass out of play or slice a shot high into the N17 sky?
Palhinha is no Christian Eriksen but the Portugal international does feel like a major upgrade on a man who, despite his obvious limitations, has carved out a decent career for himself in north London since his £30 million move from Newcastle United.
The 6ft 4in Palhinha was the bone-chewing catalyst for Sporting Lisbon’s first Primeira Liga title since the days of a toothy, teenage Cristiano Ronaldo, the military-grade superglue that held an ‘invincible’ Leoes side together last season.
He completed 3.3 tackles per game on average – only Wilfred Ndidi produced more than that in the whole of the Premier League in 2020/21.
Palhinha is more than a mere destroyer, though. Just look at the way he danced through the French midfield at Euro 2020, running rings around N’Golo Kante before nutmegging Paul Pogba for good measure.
Joao Palhinha could be Spurs’ most complete midfielder since Moussa Dembele
Excellent in possession and supreme without it, Palhinha could be Tottenham’s most complete midfielder since Moussa Dembele in his heyday. But there are still a lot of obstacles to clear and hoops to jump through before the one-time Braga loanee is posing for photos with Nuno Espirito Santo.
Nuno, by the way, tried to sign Palhinha when he was at Wolves too.
A Bola claims Spurs will have to find a buyer for Sissoko first – and that may be easier said than done given the World Cup winner’s lofty wages.
According to The Mirror (12 August, page 56), Tottenham are closing in on a deal for Palhinha but have yet to meet Sporting’s demands, an initial £17 million bid falling well short of expectations.
Furthermore, Sporting are still looking to tie down their tungsten-tipped ball-winner to a new, long-term contract. This saga is only just beginning – but the clock is ticking.
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