Tottenham Hotspur defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha was one of several veteran players to experience a revival at the exact perfect time under new manager Roberto De Zerbi, who got the Portuguese international to play like a lion for the Lilywhites down the home stretch of a successful Premier League relegation battle.
And it was almost fitting that Palhinha scored the winning goal against Everton at home on Matchday 38, scrapping a goal past England national team goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. The goal was just a part of Palhinha's overall brilliant display, in which he defended and held the ball up with all his heart, a symbol of pride and a warrior mentality for De Zerbi.
Even before Spurs supporters were fawning all over Palhinha again, the Italian manager knew that the Bayern Munich loanee would be important to him. He told everyone at a press conference that he 100 percent felt that Palhinha deserved to stay at N17 permanently, and he reiterated that point, obviously, after the win against Everton.
Roberto De Zerbi wants to keep Joao Palhinha
According to a report from Simon Jones of the Daily Mail, Roberto De Zerbi has told Tottenham Hotspur that he wants Joao Palhinha to stay this summer. Palhinha also has recent interest from Portuguese giants Sporting CP.
Although a potential desire to go back to Portugal could complicate things, it is hard to believe that Palhinha would not want to stay at Tottenham after experiencing the high from the fans of being a hero that saved them from relegation. And also, with all due respect to Sporting and all the amazing players who have come through there, Tottenham are a bigger club for Palhinha because of the venue they are in, the city, the history, the challenge, and the power of the Premier League.
After what De Zerbi did in coming in to Tottenham on short notice and taking the job with the promise that he'd get a lot of stay in important decisions, is hard to imagine Spurs not giving De Zerbi what he wants, especially when it is a reasonable request.
In an ideal world when Tottenham are competing for Champions League places again, Palhinha would not be a starter. But Spurs are not in that ideal world and at the very least, they need competent squad players with character, defensive quality, and that something special in the clutch. Palhinha can bring that to the table for Spurs for just 25-30 million euros.
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