João Palhinha’s situation at Tottenham has taken a worrying turn, and recent developments suggest his place in the side could come under even more pressure in the weeks ahead. After being a regular presence early in the Premier League season, the Portugal international has seen his role reduced, raising questions about his long-term future in North London.
Palhinha began the campaign strongly, starting 11 of Tottenham’s first 12 league matches and appearing to be a key figure in midfield. However, his involvement dropped sharply as the season progressed.
His recent start against Brentford marked his first league start since November. In December alone, he was left unused on the bench once and brought on as a substitute three times, a clear sign that he has slipped down the pecking order.
From a numbers point of view, Palhinha has still contributed. Across all competitions, he has scored four goals and registered three assists, which is a respectable return for a defensive midfielder.
That said, his last goal came in early November during a comfortable win over Copenhagen, and since then his influence in attacking areas has faded.
One possible reason for his reduced role is his struggles in possession. While Palhinha excels defensively, his ability to progress the ball has been a concern. Statistically, he ranks among the lower end of Premier League midfielders for progressive passes and carries, which limits Tottenham’s ability to control games against well-organised opponents. In a team that wants to dominate possession, this weakness can be costly.
These concerns come at a time when Tottenham are actively exploring the market for midfield reinforcements. Reports indicate that Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka has emerged as a serious option.
His representatives are said to have made contact with several Premier League clubs, including Tottenham, as Bayern consider their options ahead of the January window. While no price has been disclosed, Goretzka’s £218,000-per-week wages underline his status as a high-profile target.
If Tottenham move forward with their interest, it would be a significant development and potentially bad news for Palhinha. There is a sense of irony here, as Palhinha himself left Bayern on loan after struggling for consistent minutes.
A repeat scenario could now unfold in North London if Goretzka arrives and quickly establishes himself as a first-choice option.
A look at their Bundesliga numbers from last season helps explain why Goretzka held the upper hand in Munich and why Tottenham may prefer his profile.
| 2024/25 Bundesliga Stats | Leon Goretzka | João Palhinha |
|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 26 | 17 |
| Minutes per game | 51 | 40 |
| Goals | 4 | 0 |
| Tackles + interceptions per game | 1.6 | 1.4 |
| Ground duel success rate | 60% | 55% |
| Aerial duel success rate | 53% | 65% |
| Red cards | 0 | 1 |
These figures show that Goretzka offered a more complete package. He contributed goals, held his own defensively, and was trusted more often in big matches. That trust matters at the top level, where managers want midfielders who can influence both phases of the game.
Palhinha’s strengths are still clear. Defensively, he remains one of the best ball-winners in the league. This season, he ranks in the top one percent of Premier League midfielders for tackles per 90 minutes, highlighting his ability to break up play and protect the back line. In matches where Tottenham are under pressure, his presence can be invaluable.
However, modern top-level teams demand more from central midfielders. They must be comfortable on the ball, capable of progressing play, and able to dictate tempo. This is where Goretzka stands out, and why he has been described by teammates as a midfield “machine.”
A simple comparison of their possession-based qualities this season further highlights the gap.
| Possession Metrics (per 90) | Goretzka | Palhinha |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive passes | Higher | Lower |
| Progressive carries | Higher | Much lower |
| Passing range | Strong | Limited |
| Comfort under pressure | High | Moderate |
These differences help explain why Palhinha struggled for minutes at Bayern and why Tottenham’s coaching staff may now be leaning towards a more balanced midfielder.
If Goretzka were to arrive, he would likely be viewed as a starter rather than a rotation option, especially given his experience and ability to play in a possession-dominant system.
For Palhinha, that scenario would place his future in doubt. Another season spent on the bench would do little for his confidence or his career, and it could force Tottenham to rethink his role once his loan spell ends.
While his defensive qualities are undeniable, the direction Tottenham appear to be heading suggests they want more technical control in midfield.
If Spurs do push ahead with a move for Goretzka, it would signal a clear shift in priorities. For Palhinha, it may be the strongest indication yet that his time as a regular starter in North London is coming to an end.
