Approach made: Tottenham in contact to sign another “world-class” midfielder with Gibbs-White

Tottenham Hotspur have stepped up their summer recruitment plans with renewed ambition, as they target not just one but two major midfield signings ahead of the new season.

While negotiations continue over Morgan Gibbs-White, Spurs have now made an official approach to sign Bayern Munich’s João Palhinha—a move that signals the club’s intent to reinforce both ends of their midfield with top-tier talent.

The pursuit of Gibbs-White initially appeared straightforward, with Tottenham reportedly activating the £60 million release clause in the Nottingham Forest midfielder’s contract.

However, that move has become more complex in recent days. Forest lodged a formal complaint to the Premier League, accusing Spurs of making an illegal approach before triggering the clause, which has effectively paused the deal.

This unexpected twist has drawn legal threats from Forest’s hierarchy, though transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has insisted that Tottenham remain confident and committed to finalising the signing.

Despite the dispute, Spurs believe their conduct has been lawful and remain optimistic about bringing Gibbs-White to North London. The coming days will prove crucial in determining whether that confidence is well-placed or premature.

Amid the uncertainty surrounding the Gibbs-White saga, Tottenham have simultaneously begun laying the groundwork for another significant signing—this time a defensive midfield powerhouse.

According to reports from GiveMeSport, Spurs have made contact with Bayern Munich regarding João Palhinha, the Portuguese international who transferred from Fulham to the Bundesliga giants for around £47 million last summer.

Daniel Levy and his recruitment team are closely monitoring the situation and could launch a formal bid if Bayern give any indication they’re open to selling the 30-year-old.

Palhinha is not just an experienced figure with Premier League pedigree; he also remains one of Europe’s most reliable ball-winners.

His combative style and intelligence in screening the back line would help address one of Tottenham’s key weaknesses from the 2024-25 campaign.

Last season, Spurs conceded 65 league goals, highlighting a lack of balance in midfield and exposing the need for a robust presence who can break up play and relieve pressure on the defence. In Palhinha, they see a solution ready to step in and deliver immediate impact.

What makes the move more enticing is that Palhinha’s adaptation to English football has already been proven. During his time at Fulham, he led the Premier League in tackles won and consistently ranked in the top percentiles for defensive actions.

His brief tenure at Bayern has also been solid, though a lack of consistent starts has left room for speculation about his long-term future at the club. Spurs would likely need to meet Bayern’s valuation, and his £200,000-a-week salary—including bonuses—means negotiations will not be simple. Yet his track record justifies the cost.

The data below shows how Palhinha ranks among elite midfielders in key defensive metrics:

Palhinha’s excellence lies not just in his ability to win the ball, but in retaining it effectively and launching counterattacks—qualities Ange Postecoglou values in his high-tempo system. Described by journalist Dom Smith as “world-class,” the midfielder offers a profile Spurs currently lack: experienced, consistent, and defensively disciplined.

While the club continues to negotiate Gibbs-White’s complex situation, the simultaneous pursuit of Palhinha demonstrates a strategic approach to recruitment.

Should Spurs secure both midfielders, they would significantly upgrade their core—adding flair and creativity in Gibbs-White alongside power and reliability in Palhinha.

There may be questions about Palhinha’s age and salary demands, but Tottenham must weigh those against the cost of inaction.

For a side aiming to return to the Champions League and compete for major honours, bolstering midfield with proven quality is not just wise—it’s necessary. If the board follows through with conviction, this could become one of Spurs’ most transformative transfer windows in years.