Talks started: Spurs pushing to sign £30m “monster”, it’s bad news for Bissouma – opinion
Tottenham Look to Rebuild Under Thomas Frank with Midfield Reinforcements as Joao Palhinha Emerges as Key Target
After nearly two decades without lifting a trophy, Tottenham Hotspur finally broke their long-standing silverware drought in May by defeating Manchester United to claim the Europa League title. The victory not only added long-overdue decoration to the club’s trophy cabinet but also secured a much-coveted place in next season’s UEFA Champions League.
However, despite this continental success, it wasn’t enough to save Ange Postecoglou’s job. The Australian manager, credited with overhauling Spurs’ tactical identity, was sacked just weeks after the triumph, following a catastrophic domestic league campaign that saw the Lilywhites slump to a shocking 17th-place finish in the Premier League.
Now, with Thomas Frank appointed as the new head coach, Tottenham begin a fresh chapter. The Danish tactician is expected to retain some of the foundational ideas Postecoglou introduced while also addressing the glaring shortcomings that plagued their domestic form. His first task will be to stabilize the squad, restore consistency, and forge a new identity that can challenge both at home and abroad.
But before any tactical revolution can begin, there’s work to be done in the transfer market. And it’s evident that activity has slowed in North London, with supporters and pundits alike urging Daniel Levy and the board to act decisively.
Spurs Eye Midfield Boost with Palhinha on Radar
With pre-season training already underway, Tottenham’s recruitment team has turned its focus toward bolstering the squad—particularly the midfield. While attacking options such as James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski offer flair and creativity, the base of the midfield remains a concern.
Initially, Spurs had hoped to lure Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest. The 24-year-old was considered the perfect addition to inject dynamism into the middle of the park. However, their hopes were dashed amid controversy, with accusations of an illegal approach resulting in Gibbs-White extending his contract with Forest, effectively ruling out a move.
In the wake of that disappointment, Spurs have pivoted towards a more defensively solid target. The futures of Rodrigo Bentancur and the underperforming Yves Bissouma remain uncertain, prompting a push for a more composed, ball-winning midfielder.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham have opened discussions with the representatives of Joao Palhinha, currently at Bayern Munich. While the German giants have not yet received an official bid, they are understood to be open to selling the 30-year-old Portuguese international for a fee in the region of £30 million. Spurs, for their part, are believed to prefer an initial loan deal with an option to buy—though there’s optimism a compromise can be reached.
Why Palhinha Is the Ideal Fit
Palhinha’s move to Bayern last summer, following an impressive stint at Fulham, came with high expectations. Bayern paid an initial £42 million to secure his services, but under Vincent Kompany’s stewardship, things haven’t clicked as expected. Despite limited success in Germany, the Portugal international’s value and pedigree remain undeniable.
During his time in the Premier League with Fulham, Palhinha emerged as one of the most consistent defensive midfielders in the division. Over the course of 79 appearances, he showcased not only impressive tackling numbers but also positional intelligence and composure on the ball.
Described by analysts as a “defensive monster” and a “tackling machine”, Palhinha led the Premier League in tackles won during the 2023/24 season—a trait Spurs sorely missed last year. His stats back up the eye test: according to FBref, he ranked in the top 3% of central midfielders across Europe’s top leagues for both tackles per 90 and pass completion rate.
This is a stark contrast to Yves Bissouma, who, despite his strength and athleticism, has failed to consistently perform in a Spurs shirt. Since arriving from Brighton in 2022 for £35 million, the Malian international has struggled for form and discipline. His Tottenham career has been marked by inconsistency, poor decision-making, and a lack of end product—registering only two goals, zero assists, and two red cards across 100 games.
Bissouma’s defensive efforts have also been error-prone. He committed six major errors leading to opposition chances last season in just 16 league starts, according to Sofascore. With Fenerbahce reportedly in talks to bring him to Turkey, Tottenham appear ready to move on.
Palhinha and the Thomas Frank Blueprint
Frank is no stranger to working with dedicated defensive midfielders. During his time at Brentford, he built his system around Christian Norgaard, a similarly disciplined, ball-recycling midfielder who made over 260 appearances under the Dane. Norgaard, who recently joined Arsenal, was not known for adventurous passing but was essential to Brentford’s compact and organized structure.
Palhinha, who offers a comparable defensive output but with greater physicality and experience, could easily slot into that kind of role. While his progressive passing numbers may not dazzle, his positional intelligence and high work rate would allow more creative players like Maddison and Kulusevski to flourish.
Tottenham don’t need another flamboyant midfielder—they need steel, leadership, and reliability in the middle. Palhinha checks those boxes emphatically.
A New Era Begins
The Postecoglou era ended in bittersweet fashion—European glory marred by domestic chaos. With Thomas Frank at the helm, a new approach is in motion, built on tactical discipline, unity, and smart recruitment.
Signing Joao Palhinha would represent more than just a midfield upgrade; it would be a signal of intent. A clear step toward building a balanced, resilient team capable of competing across multiple fronts.
Bissouma may leave with a medal in his pocket, but his chapter appears to be closing. In his place, Palhinha could be the anchor that Spurs have lacked for years, and with him, Tottenham might finally be ready to turn consistency into long-term success.