The £26m “Beast” wants to officially sign for Spurs

The summer break gives Tottenham Hotspur a much needed break after such a difficult year in the Premier League.

Spurs avoided relegation after defeating Everton on the final day of the season, and Roberto De Zerbi's impact since replacing Igor Tudor during the international break in March has given confidence to fans who fear they will face more difficulties next year.

Tottenham have impressed in the latter stages of the campaign, particularly during back-to-back wins in the Midlands. And in addition, the ENIC Group shows progress in terms of their transfer strategies.

The window has not yet opened, but Spurs are already awaiting the arrival of two new defenders, strengthening that strong defense before turning to other doors.

The Premier League star says yes to Spurs

Cristian Romero is expected to leave Tottenham this summer, while Atletico Madrid are considered one of the contenders for the captain's position.

Argentina international Marcos Senesi is expected to arrive in north London after his Bournemouth contract expires, while Andy Robertson will be heading to the capital at the end of his Liverpool tour.

These are smart signings, but De Zerbi could oversee the arrival of a proven Premier League star who would still be smart.

According to TEAMtalk, Joao Palhinha is ready to sign for Tottenham permanently this summer, despite suggestions from the Portuguese top outfit.

Indeed, the report suggests that the experienced star will 'agree' to join, among rivals from Porto, Benfica and former club Sporting CP.

Palhinha, 30, has been one of the bright sparks for the Lilywhites this season, and with a £26m buyout option, this is another to cross the finish line in the coming weeks.

Unique and powerful, she is perfect within De Zerbi's set. Given that he has played a season as low as N17 on loan, Palhinha can also emulate Dejan Kulusevski by settling at the club permanently.

Why Palhinha could be Spurs' new Kulusevski

It was Palhinha who stepped up to score the goal that ensured Tottenham's Premier League status, a fitting end to a loan spell that could have made the difference for Spurs in their fight for survival.

The hard-hitting midfielder has been huge throughout the campaign, lacking the chance to overtake his club this year but still brings something valuable to the system, winning an average of 5.8 duels per game, coming in at a 62% success rate.

Unlike his two previous seasons in the Premier League with Fulham, Palhinha did not end the campaign with more wins than anyone in the division. That said, he has played five fewer games than the leader, Everton's James Garner.

Palhinha may not share many technical properties with Kulusevski, who has not played competitive football since April 2025, but he has made an impact during his short stay in London, and now looks set to permanently strengthen Spurs' midfield, labeled a “defensive beast” by commentator Marcus Bring.

Of course, the Portuguese player's strength has come from the attacking blows that are the lesser part of his game. He scored five goals and provided two assists for Spurs in the Premier League, showing acrobatics and tenacity to provide where his supposedly attacking teammates failed.

With Spurs missing Kulusevski's power and energy during the term, this was a wonderful and welcome bonus. It is important that Palhinha remains at the club, that he is allowed to continue to strengthen Spurs' midfield – hopefully with a new level of creativity around him next year.

Kulusevski could prove an ideal place in Tottenham's engine room; the duo can work well in tandem. What is important is that Palhinha has shown while on loan that he has a lot to offer De Zerbi's side, and ENIC must.