Ange Postecoglou, the manager of Tottenham, is apparently urging the team to make a strong offer for Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha, even though any trade is certain to create a new club record in terms of price
The Australian, who is of Greek descent and joined Spurs from Celtic earlier this summer, officially begins his new position as manager today. However, the 57-year-old has already assumed leadership and participated in the club’s early summer transfer negotiations.
In fact, Postecoglou made the decision to sign James Maddison and Guglielmo Vicacrio earlier this week. For £17 million, Spurs acquired the goalkeeper from Empoli. Maddison, meanwhile, recently signed a £40 million contract with Leicester.
Conversely, Spurs are far from finished this summer and plan to go after Wolfsburg defender Micky van de Ven. To that end, Fabrizio Romano, who says he is “keen” on the transfer, has engaged in “direct conversations” with chairman Daniel Levy, according to Romano.
Tottenham wants to improve their center midfield as well. According to The Sun (July 1, page 67), Postecoglou is reportedly pressuring Levy to approach Fulham about Palhinha.
The Portugal midfielder, who cost £20 million to acquire from Sporting Lisbon, had an outstanding first season in the Premier League. In 40 games across all leagues, the 27-year-old player made an appearance and scored four goals.
The focus was on his tiger-like antics in the engine room, though. He led the division in tackles made with 147. With 100 points, Moises Caicedo finished in second place, proving how exceptional the Portuguese player was.
This form has led to talk that Declan Rice replacement West Ham is interested in bringing Palhinha across London.
Naturally, the Cottagers are reluctant to let Palhinha leave without a struggle. They reportedly paid only £20 million for him a year ago, but right now they are reportedly worth around £90 million.
However, it appears that West Ham is preparing a bid in the hopes that a big offer will induce Fulham to sell.
Palhinha, on the other hand, is Postecoglou’s top objective moving forward for Spurs.
They are reportedly mulling a trade far exceeding their current club record of £60 million paid to Everton for Richarlison for that reason.
Postecoglou will have to get Levy to swallow some of his pride if he wants them to sign. This is because the Portuguese star was a target for Tottenham last summer. Levy will be furious to have to pay a far larger sum once more, though, having passing up the chance to sign him for £20 million.
Levy might also wonder how long he has left at the top as Palhinha turns 28 next week.
Spurs might sell three players to pay for the deal.
On the other side, Postecoglou does not seem phased and is determined to convince Levy to make an offer.
Spurs, on the other hand, might release a few players to pay for the deal. Giovani Lo Celso and Tanguy Ndombele are not expected to be on the next manager’s list of priorities.
Additionally, according to rumors, the team is willing to offload Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who is turning into an Atletico Madrid target.
Although some people might be shocked by the deal, there are questions about the Dane’s mobility under Postecoglou’s system.
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