Tottenham Hotspur is reportedly closing in on a permanent deal for midfielder Joao Palhinha, with the Portuguese star increasingly likely to join the North London club rather than return to Sporting CP.
Palhinha spent last season on loan at Spurs, and while his parent club Bayern Munich is looking to offload him permanently, his future has been the subject of speculation. Recent reports had linked the 30-year-old with a move back to his former club, Sporting CP.
However, a report from Portuguese publication O Jogo, as cited by SportWitness, suggests that Sporting CP is set to miss out on re-signing Palhinha. The midfielder is now expected to make his move to Tottenham a permanent one.
Tottenham's midfield could certainly benefit from Palhinha's presence. The club requires more depth and quality in the center of the park, and the Portuguese international demonstrated his capabilities during his loan spell. His defensive steel and physicality would be a valuable addition for manager Roberto De Zerbi.
The midfielder himself is reportedly keen to resolve his future swiftly and seems to view a permanent switch to Tottenham as an attractive prospect, having enjoyed his time at the London club. This development aligns with Tottenham's ongoing efforts to strengthen their squad, particularly in midfield and attack, to build on their improved defensive unit.