Ange Postecoglou, manager of Tottenham Hotspur, is reportedly urging the club to make a strong approach for Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha, despite the fact that any transfer is expected to create a new club record value
The Greek-born Australian officially begins his new post as manager today, after joined Spurs from Celtic earlier this summer. However, the 57-year-old is already in charge, having a say in the club’s early summer transfer talks.
Indeed, it was Postecoglou’s request earlier this week that both Guglielmo Vicacrio and James Maddison be signed. Empoli sold the goalkeeper to Spurs for £17 million. Meanwhile, Leicester have signed Maddison for a cost of £40 million.
Spurs, on the other hand, are far from finished with the summer transfer window and intend to chase Wolfsburg defender Micky van de Ven next. To that end, chairman Daniel Levy has begun ‘direct negotiations’ with Fabrizio Romano, who claims he is “keen” on the transfer.
Tottenham is likewise looking to improve their center midfield. According to The Sun (July 1, page 67), Postecoglou is reportedly pressuring Levy to approach Fulham about Palhinha.
The Portugal midfielder had a wonderful debut season in the Premier League after coming from Sporting Lisbon for £20 million. The 27-year-old scored four goals in 40 games in all competitions.
But it was his tigerish actions in the engine room that garnered the most attention. He was the division’s leading tackler with 147. Moises Caicedo finished second with 100 points, proving that the Portuguese was in a league of his own.
Fulham place a great value on Joao Palhinha.
This form has fueled rumors that West Ham would like to entice Palhinha across London to replace Declan Rice.
The Cottagers, obviously, are not eager to let Palhinha go quietly. They paid only £20 million for him a year ago, but he is now thought to be worth almost £90 million.
Nonetheless, West Ham appear to be preparing a bid in the hope that a substantial offer will encourage Fulham to sell.
Postecoglou, on the other hand, has made Palhinha his club’s next top priority.
To that end, they are reportedly considering a deal much exceeding their current club record of £60 million paid to Everton for Richarlison.
Postecoglou will have to persuade Levy to swallow some of his pride if they are to sign. This is because the Portuguese sensation was on Tottenham’s radar last summer. However, after passing up the opportunity to hire him for £20 million, Levy will be disappointed to have to pay a far greater fee again.
Furthermore, with Palhinha turning 28 the following week, Levy may be wondering how long he has left at the top.
The Spurs may fund the deal by selling three players.
Postecoglou, on the other hand, is unconcerned and appears to be planning to encourage Levy to launch a bid.
Spurs, on the other hand, may fund the deal by releasing several players. Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso are unlikely to be included in the plans of the new boss.
Furthermore, reports suggest that the club is willing to offload Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who has emerged as a target for Atletico Madrid.
Some may be surprised by the trade, but there are questions regarding the Dane’s mobility under Postecoglou’s system.
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