Marco Bello-Reuters via Imagn Images

‘World class’ midfielder on £200k pwk wages tipped for Tottenham switch

Originally posted on the Boy Hotspur | By The Boy | Last updated Jul 12, 2025 9:24 AM ET

This summer at Tottenham is not just about rebuilding under Thomas Frank, but getting confidence back amongst the fan base, after a frequently gruelling couple of seasons under Ange Postecoglou. Yes, the big-hearted Aussie delivered the trophy, but at what cost? Spurs lost far too many games, and even the final itself was frequently unwatchable stuff, even against one of the worst Manchester United sides of my lifetime.

One gets a sense that it’s almost as if ENIC are now making a point of backing Frank to ensure that the messaging and the results get the supporters back onside. Travelling to watch Tottenham, particularly last season, was rarely a treat, and sitting in a billion-pound stadium watching frantic and unrewarding football is not what was advertised.

According to a fresh report from Give Me Sport, there are moves underway to bring João Palhinha, currently with Bayern Munich and formerly Fulham, back to London.

Looking at João’s radar (highlighted in purple) within the setting of some of Tottenham’s current midfielders, it isn’t easy to see what the attraction might be.

João Palhinha, for my money, is world-class. I could count the number of defensive midfielders who are better on one hand.

Keeping him was Fulham’s main priority this summer, and it’ll be the same in January. #ffc https://t.co/VaFCm8NDzy

— Dom Smith (@MrDomSmith) November 1, 2023

Yes, we have a glowing reference of the player during his time at Craven Cottage, but as GMS say, the player, now 30, has struggled to work his way into the forefront of boss Vincent Kompany’s plans, after a hefty £47 million move.

There is also the not-so-minor matter of his wages, which are reportedly in the region of £200,000 a week.

One can understand the desire to move Yves Bissouma on and reshape what the middle of the park will look like under Frank, but this makes one wonder why we sold Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg?

This article first appeared on the Boy Hotspur and was syndicated with permission.

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