(Credit: Imago)

Callum O'Connell

Wed 29 April 2026 13:00, UK

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Joao Palhinha is currently considered likely to make the permanent move to Tottenham Hotspur despite growing criticisms of his performances.

The 30-year-old has struggled to live up to expectations in what has been a miserable season for Spurs, but remains keen to stick around if they stay up.

His winning goal against Wolves last time out secured their first three points of 2026, and there is a belief he could turn his Spurs career around under Roberto De Zerbi.

Former Tottenham scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Palhinha’s permanent move could depend on the fee involved, but negotiations are taking place in the background.

Spurs will make a final decision on the Portugal international’s future after the season ends, but are already putting plans in place for the transfer window.

Could Tottenham sign Joao Palhinha permanently?

Football Insider revealed at the start of the season that Tottenham planned to sign Palhinha permanently at the end of his loan spell in North London.

However, Thomas Frank was believed at the time to be driving the deal, and his departure has raised questions about whether a deal will be agreed.

He has still played a role under De Zerbi so far, though, and strong performances between now and the end of the season could see him join permanently.

“I thought Palhinha would be an excellent signing for Tottenham,” Brown told Football Insider.

“After what he showed at Fulham, earning that move to Bayern Munich, I expected him to come back in and show that again at Tottenham.

“I must admit, that has not gone to plan for him or for Tottenham. Every time I listen to pundits speaking about him, they tear him apart.

“Jamie Carragher, for example, said he hasn’t got the quality to play in the Premier League, and I thought that was harsh based on the things I’ve seen.

“But from Tottenham’s point of view, they can’t listen to what pundits are saying, they’re going to make a decision about him at the end of the season.

“If they stay in the Premier League, I’m sure he will want to make the move, and the manager will assess his squad to see what they can do.

“From what I’ve heard, they’ve already been in negotiations behind the scenes, maybe to bring the price down or find a deal that suits them a bit better.

“So with Tottenham at the moment you just have to wait and see, but they have to make decisions based on their own views, not those of people outside the club.”

What other plans are Tottenham making for the summer?

Given their current situation, it appears strange that plans are already being put in place by Tottenham for the summer transfer window, with optimistic deals lined up.

Palhinha’s permanent signing will likely only take place if they can survive the relegation battle, but there are other deals also being lined up in the background.

Football Insider reported on 17 April that Tottenham are in advanced talks with Marcos Senesi, to sign the Bournemouth star on a free transfer this summer.

It has also been reported that Tottenham have an agreement with Liverpool star Andy Robertson, who will also join on a free, but only if they can stay up.

De Zerbi’s side are currently in the relegation zone with just four games left to play, with two points separating them from West Ham and five from Nottingham Forest.