He’s better than Palhinha: Spurs hold internal talks for “world-class” star…
Tottenham Hotspur’s ambition to strengthen the squad throughout this summer has already been evident, already making key moves within the transfer market.
Mohammed Kudus is the first major signing of the Thomas Frank era, after joining the club in a £55m deal from London rivals West Ham United earlier this month.
However, despite the big money spent on the Ghanaian’s signature, other targets are still being pursued, with the club potentially being subject to external investment.
Kudus-Spurs
Various areas of the pitch have been of interest in recent days, but as of yet, no other key dealings have been completed ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.
Numerous players have emerged on their shortlist already this window, leading to work being done behind the scenes to ensure Frank has the best chance of success in North London.
The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer
Adam Wharton has been named as one of Spurs’ biggest targets this summer, with Frank evidently wanting to improve the options within his midfield department.
However, despite their interest in the Crystal Palace star, a deal for his signature is extremely unlikely, with the Eagles currently demanding £100m for the Englishman’s signature.
Adam Wharton at Spurs Tottenham Hotspur
The 21-year-old isn’t the only player currently in their sights within such an area of the pitch, leading to Juventus star Douglas Luiz being another target, according to Dean Jones.
He claims that internal talks have been held behind the scenes in North London over a possible deal for the Brazilian, as he looks set to depart the Italian outfit this window.
🚨| #Tottenham are doing serious work on bolstering their midfield. Both Douglas Luiz and Joao Palhinha have been offered to Spurs and they do appreciate both. But the club have other options they like – including Adam Wharton. {@GraemeBailey} pic.twitter.com/wUtL6Q5b7e — AllThings_THFC (@Allthings__THFC) July 11, 2025
Jones also states that no serious development has been made for his signature, but the player himself wants a return to England after leaving Aston Villa 12 months ago.
Why Spurs’ latest target would be a better signing than Palhinha
Despite the recent moves within the transfer market, Spurs still hold a keen interest in landing the signature of Bayern Munich star João Palhinha this summer.
Bayern Munich’s Joao Palhinha looks dejected as he walks off after receiving a red card
Their interest in the Portuguese midfielder has been confirmed in recent days, with the 30-year-old allowed to depart the Bundesliga champions in the coming weeks.
He only joined the club last summer in a £47m deal from Fulham, but after making just six league starts in 2024/25, it’s safe to say he’s not a player in Vincent Kompany’s plans.
ðŸš¨âšªï¸ Tottenham Hotspur are monitoring Joao #Palhinha’s situation. It is not concrete at this stage, but there is interest. Palhinha’s camp has been informed. Bayern are open to talks should suitable offers arrive for the 30 y/o.@SkySportDE 🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/yijr6GD03v — Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) July 23, 2025
Palhinha has previously excelled in England’s top-flight, making 79 appearances for the Cottagers over a two-year spell, arguably being one of the best deep-lying options within the division.
However, despite interest being registered in his services, the hierarchy should be prioritising a move for Luiz this window, with the Brazilian undoubtedly a better option.
douglas-luiz-juventus-serie-a
When comparing their respective stats from the recent campaign, the former Villa star has dominated in key areas, having the tools to improve the options at Frank’s disposal as a result.
Luiz, who’s been labelled “world-class” by journalist Adam Gilks, registered more key passes and progressive passes per 90, showcasing his ability to get the ball into forward areas, something which could massively bolster the attackers’ tally as a result.
How Luiz & Palhinha compare throughout 2024/25.
Statistics (per 90)
Luiz
Palhinha
Games played
19
17
Minutes played
529
673
Progressive passes
5.9
4.2
Progressive carries
2.7
0.4
Key passes made
2.5
0.5
% of tackles won
69%
68%
Interceptions made
0.7
0.5
Take-on success
79%
50%
Carries into final third
1.7
0.4
Recoveries made
5.3
2.2
Stats via FBref.
He also completed more of the take-ons he attempted, whilst making more carries into the final third, further demonstrating his dominance with the ball at his feet.
However, defensively, the former Villa star has also impressed, winning a higher percentage of tackles, whilst also registering more interceptions per 90, arguably being the perfect deep-lying option for the Lilywhites.
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