Despite €27m option to sign permanently, Tottenham all set to axe 30yo loanee at the end of season

The Tottenham midfielder has lost his place in the starting eleven under Roberto de Zerbi.

Tottenham managed to bring in several high-profile names last summer after winning the Europa League against all odds. The Lilywhites were clearly looking to build on that historic achievement by signing ready-made players capable of making an immediate impact. They brought in the likes of Mohammed Kudus, Xavi Simons, and Joao Palhinha as the North Londoners aimed to close the gap on their rivals this season.

However, it is fair to say that it has been a disappointing campaign for Spurs. The Lilywhites are currently stuck in the relegation zone and face a genuine risk of dropping out of the Premier League. Frequent managerial changes have backfired, with the North Londoners remaining winless in the league since the turn of the year. An ongoing injury crisis at N17 has only compounded their problems, placing additional pressure on the squad to deliver consistent performances.

Summer signings Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons have experienced mixed seasons, with injuries and inconsistency affecting their contributions. The same applies to Joao Palhinha. The Portuguese international joined N17 on a season-long loan from Bayern Munich, aiming to re-establish himself in the Premier League. He was outstanding in the first half of the campaign, playing a vital role at both ends of the pitch, but his form has declined significantly since the November international break.

Joao Palhinha might head for the exit doors at Tottenham

Joao Palhinha played an important role in Spurs’ strong start under Thomas Frank earlier in the season. He provided stability in midfield, offering an extra layer of protection to the defence. In addition, the Portuguese international contributed in attack, scoring four important goals across all competitions. However, he has struggled to maintain those standards in the latter stages of the campaign and has subsequently lost his place in the starting eleven.

Roberto de Zerbi has opted not to start Palhinha in either of his first two matches in charge of the Lilywhites. This suggests that the 30-year-old does not feature in the Italian tactician’s long-term plans at N17. The midfielder does not appear to suit the fast-paced, vertical style of play that De Zerbi prefers, and as a result, he is expected to return to Bayern Munich once the season concludes in the coming weeks.

Spurs do have the option to sign Palhinha on a permanent deal for €27m at the end of the season. However, as per GiveMeSport, the Lilywhites believe that the midfielder offers limited resale value and may not fit into Roberto de Zerbi’s system. Committing to a long-term deal may not be the most practical decision, especially when alternative options are available in the transfer market for a similar fee. Consequently, the North Londoners are expected to part ways with the Portuguese international once the current campaign comes to an end.

Palhinha deserves credit for his leadership in the dressing room and his commitment on the pitch throughout the season. There has never been any doubt regarding his dedication to the club. For that reason, he is likely to be remembered fondly by the Spurs faithful if the club decides to move on from him. The Lilywhites must now turn their attention to securing a suitable replacement in the upcoming transfer window as they look to back Roberto de Zerbi in the summer.