Unfortunate news for Palhinha: Spurs maintain interest in acquiring £218k-p/w “machine”
After appearing in 11 of his first 12 Premier League matches this season, Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Joao Palhinha has recently seen reduced playing time. The Portugal international’s match against Brentford on Thursday was his first in the league since November, as he had been an unused substitute once and came off the bench three times in December, according to Transfermarkt.
Palhinha has scored four goals and supplied three assists across all competitions, based on data from Sofascore, but he hasn’t found the net since the 4-0 victory over Copenhagen at the beginning of November.
The Bayern Munich loaner’s difficulties in possession might explain his recent exclusion from the lineup, as he ranks in the bottom 23% of midfielders in the Premier League for progressive passes per 90 (3.24) and in the bottom 16% for progressive carries per 90 (0.53), per FBref.
Spurs considering a bid for Bundesliga talent
Tottenham is reportedly looking to sign another central midfielder who could potentially limit Palhinha’s playing minutes in the latter half of the season.
As stated by CaughtOffside, the representatives of Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka have reached out to establish communication with Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, and Arsenal. The report cites sources indicating that the German club might be inclined to entertain a sale during the January transfer window, should a substantial offer come in.
It adds that the Lilywhites are closely observing the Germany international’s circumstances at the Allianz Arena as they contemplate a winter acquisition for the seasoned midfielder. However, CaughtOffside does not disclose the amount that would qualify as a ‘convincing’ offer for Bayern to part with the £218k-per-week player.
Why Tottenham’s interest in Goretzka signals trouble for Palhinha
It could be a case of déjà vu for Palhinha if Spurs are successful in negotiating a transfer for Goretzka to North London, as he had already left Bayern on loan in the summer after experiencing limited minutes behind the German powerhouse last season. The Portugal international only featured in six league games for Bayern under Vincent Kompany during the 2024/25 season, while Goretzka started 13 times and played nine additional matches overall, per Sofascore.
| 24/25 Bundesliga | Goretzka | Palhinha |
|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 26 | 17 |
| Minutes per game | 51 | 40 |
| Goals | 4 | 0 |
| Tackles + interceptions per game | 1.6 | 1.4 |
| Ground duel success rate | 60% | 55% |
| Aerial duel success rate | 53% | 65% |
| Red cards | 0 | 1 |
The statistics in the table highlight the significant disparity in possession quality between the two players, as Goretzka excels in several possession-related metrics. This implies that, similar to the situation at Bayern during the 2024/25 season, Goretzka’s arrival could pose challenges for the former Fulham player moving forward this season.
The 30-year-old midfielder has the potential to be a valuable addition to Frank’s squad, enhancing the quality in possession within the midfield. This situation could put Palhinha’s future at the club beyond his initial loan in jeopardy, as he may struggle to secure playtime behind the German midfielder.
Published: 2026-01-02 20:40:00
source: www.footballfancast.com
