Exclusive: Tottenham line up new midfielder signing with future of current star in doubt

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(Credit: Imago) Wed 13 May 2026 15:55, UK Tottenham Hotspur will turn towards other central midfield targets if they fail to get a permanent move for Joao Palhinha over the line this summer, sources have told Football Insider.The Lilywhites are now planning for the eventuality that the Portuguese’s stay in North London doesn’t become permanent, and they are working to assess their other options. Spurs are adamant that they want to add at least one new centre-midfielder to their squad ahead of next season, regardless of which league they end up in for 2026-27.

The exact details of Tottenham’s midfield transfer plans will hinge on the outcome of their relegation battle, but there is no doubt that they will add numbers in that area of the pitch this summer. ✈️ Tottenham Hotspur Transfer News ✈️ Breaking news on deals in progress, signings, departures, and contract news from the Spurs boardroom. VISIT THE TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Joao Palhinha future ‘out of Tottenham’s hands’Football Insider revealed on Tuesday that Palhinha’s future is now “out of Tottenham’s hands,” as links over a move to Sporting CP continue to intensify.

The possibility of a return to his boyhood club is understood to be open for Palhinha due to personal reasons, which would leave Spurs awaiting his own decision before they could proceed towards a deal. Roberto De Zerbi has already made it clear that he values the veteran’s leadership and wants to keep him around as part of his group for next term, but his future is beyond the club’s grasp at the moment.Palhinha’s own desires at this stage of his career are set to dictate whether he will return to his homeland ahead of next season, or whether he is still keen to stay in the Premier League. 🚨🆕 Tottenham are happy with Joao #Palhinha.