Tottenham Hotspur appear to be making key moves in the transfer market ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, with Thomas Frank tasked with changing the club’s fortunes.
Whilst the Lilywhites won the Europa League, their showings in the Premier League were nothing short of embarrassing, resulting in a measly 17th-placed finish.
Ange Postecoglou was subsequently handed his marching orders, resulting in Frank’s appointment, which has also led to an increase in activity within the window.
£55m has already been spent on the signature of Mohammed Kudus, leading to rumours of added investment being injected into the club, helping the side in their quest for success.
Despite the first major addition of the summer, numerous other players remain key targets for the hierarchy, with efforts underway to secure players who will enhance the squad.
The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer
Over recent weeks, Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White has been the biggest name mentioned over a move to Spurs, unsurprisingly given that the club triggered his £60m release clause.
Whilst he was once set for a medical, a deal may now take some time to complete, after the Reds blocked the move and threatened illegal action over an alleged illegal approach for his signature.
However, he’s not the only midfielder currently on their radar, with Bayern Munich star Joao Palhinha emerging as a key target, according to TBR Football.
Their report claims that talks have been held with the 30-year-old in the last week, with the Portuguese international keen on a return to England after leaving Fulham for £47m last summer.
It also states that he could be seen as a replacement for Yves Bissouma, as Frank could cash in on the Malian international, given he only has one year left on his deal in North London.
Why Spurs’ £47m target would be perfect for Gibbs-White
Landing the signature of Gibbs-White this summer would be quite a coup for Spurs, especially considering he was strongly linked with a move to join Manchester City earlier this window.
The 25-year-old is seen as a consistent England international, unsurprisingly so given his form at the City Ground in recent times, which saw him end the 2024/25 campaign with 15 goal contributions.
He’s previously showcased his talents against the Lilywhites, registering the assist for Anthony Elanga’s goal in the clash back in December, securing the win for Nuno Espírito Santo’s side.
However, given the addition of Kudus, along with current attacking midfielders James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski currently on the books, a move for another number ten may need to wait.
As a result, attention could be turned to Palhinha, with any addition of the deep-lying Portuguese international allowing the side to have the anchor they’ve been craving, allowing him to regain possession before transferring the ball into forward areas.
His stats from the recent campaign highlight why he’d be an excellent ball-winning option within the heart of the side, potentially having the tools to link up with Gibbs-White ahead of 2025/26 if both deals are completed.
The Portuguese international, who’s been labelled “world-class” by compatriot Ivan Cavaleiro, won 1.9 tackles per 90 in the Bundesliga – a tally which put him in the top 2% of all players in the division, highlighting his ability to regain the ball for his side.
Games played
17
Minutes played
667
Pass accuracy
92%
Progressive passes
4.3
Passes into final third
6.3
Tackles won
1.9
% of tackles won
69%
Aerials won
2.7
Aerial success rate
65%
He also won 65% of the aerials that he entered, having the all-round dominance without the ball, whether that be aerially or on the ground, something which Spurs have greatly lacked in recent times.
However, in possession, Palhinha has been just as impressive, registering 6.3 passes into the final third per 90, a figure that could hand Gibbs-White the chance to carry over his tremendous form from Nottingham to North London.
It’s currently unclear whether any deal for his signature would be a permanent or temporary one, but it’s evident from his stats last season that he would be a superb addition to Frank’s side.
There’s no debate that Gibbs-White would add further depth in attacking areas, with the prospect of the Englishman linking up with Palhinha certainly being an exciting one, subsequently helping the side mount a charge up the table in 2025/26.
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