tottenham Portugal is still being presented as one of only two realistic destinations for João Palinha. But the latest twist in the saga suggests another Spurs transfer could decide the midfielder's future.
According to the local press, Sporting believe that Tottenham's pursuit of Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali could significantly improve their chances of bringing Palhinha back to Lisbon.
However, Portugal's logic is quite easy to follow.
De Zerbi's praise for Tonali
to ball It has been reported from England that Tottenham are preparing to spend between €95m and €100m (£81m-85m) on Tonali this summer. And they are certain that, for Sporting, Tonali's move to Spurs could play into their hands.
The newspaper reported that Roberto De Zerbi has long admired the Italy international, even though the two have never actually worked together.
Both, of course, are Italian and Tonali has established himself as one of the Premier League's standout midfielders since arriving at Newcastle.
But his point of view is that if Tottenham pays that level of money to a player who works in the same area of the pitch, it will inevitably affect Pelhinha's position. As A Bola said, "Money does not reproduce itself at an astronomical rate.".
taking a closer look at sporting
Despite this, the report makes clear that Tottenham remain interested in Palhinha Allowing his €30m (£25.8m) purchase option to expire earlier this month.
This has been a recurring theme in Portugal. Recent reports have claimed Spurs are one of only two clubs The midfielder is actually under consideration by Sporting as well.
However, if the London club decide to invest closer to €100m (£81m-85m) in Tonali, the Portuguese side will not have to worry too much about competition from north London.
This does not mean that the deal will suddenly become simple. The biggest obstacle remains Bayern Munich.
A Bola reveals further details about Sporting's preferred structure, which will include an initial loan fee followed by a mandatory purchase clause in 2027.
This is the model Sporting is currently trying to create. The problem is convincing Bayern.
The German side still have Palhinha under contract until 2028 and will want to extract as much value as possible after paying around €51m (£43.4m) to sign him from Fulham.
So while the latest Portuguese theory focuses on Tonali potentially removing Tottenham from the picture, Sporting's biggest challenge remains where it has been for weeks. Finding a financial formula that Bayern is willing to accept.
Yet, as the transfer saga takes a new turn, the Portuguese's latest belief is that Roberto De Zerbi's dream signing could help Sporting more than Tottenham.
🇳🇱 Jan Paul Van Hecke | "Off to London" ➡️ Family thrilled with player's move to Tottenham https://t.co/HhC6r936q6 #thfc
- Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 18 June 2026
