Spurs in talks to sign “world-class” £47m star, he’d be amazing with Gibbs-White

Tottenham Hotspur have wasted no time asserting their intent in the transfer market ahead of the 2025/26 season, with new manager Thomas Frank at the helm and clearly aiming to rejuvenate the squad after a disappointing run under Ange Postecoglou.

The Australian’s departure paved the way for Frank’s arrival, a move that has injected fresh energy into the club’s transfer activity. Already, Spurs have splashed £55 million on Mohammed Kudus, signalling the start of what looks to be an ambitious window.

The acquisition of the Ghanaian forward has sparked speculation that more investment could be on the horizon, suggesting that the club’s ownership is serious about supporting Frank’s vision with tangible backing.

Although Kudus marks the first major addition of the summer, Tottenham are still exploring further reinforcements to strengthen key areas. Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White has become a primary focus.

Spurs acted swiftly to trigger his £60 million release clause, a move that appeared to bring them closer to sealing a deal. However, Forest’s swift and strong response — alleging that an illegal approach was made — has put the transfer in jeopardy.

Legal complications now threaten to delay or derail the move altogether, despite the player’s apparent readiness to join the North London side. While that saga unfolds, Tottenham’s recruitment team is casting a wider net.

Bayern Munich’s João Palhinha has emerged as a major target, with the club reportedly holding talks with the Portuguese midfielder in the past week. Palhinha, who made a £47 million switch to Bavaria from Fulham last year, is said to be open to a return to England.

Spurs view him as a potential replacement for Yves Bissouma, who may be offloaded this summer given that his contract expires next year.

Frank sees value in reshaping the midfield, and Palhinha’s profile aligns perfectly with the kind of presence Spurs have been missing — a dominant, disciplined enforcer capable of breaking up play and transitioning the ball forward with purpose.

Signing Gibbs-White would undoubtedly be a huge statement, particularly since Manchester City also expressed interest in the 25-year-old earlier in the window.

He enjoyed a standout season at the City Ground, finishing the 2024/25 campaign with 15 goal contributions and playing a pivotal role in Nottingham Forest’s survival.

His performance against Spurs back in December — providing the assist for Anthony Elanga’s winner — was a vivid reminder of the damage he can inflict.

However, with Kudus already added to a roster that includes James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, Spurs may hesitate to overstock the number ten position.

This makes Palhinha’s pursuit even more practical. His ball-winning capabilities offer Tottenham something they’ve lacked for seasons — a true defensive shield. He could provide the foundation for the likes of Maddison, Kudus, and potentially Gibbs-White to flourish without worrying about defensive coverage.

The numbers behind Palhinha’s 2024/25 Bundesliga season further validate his potential. Despite featuring in just 17 games for Bayern, his impact was substantial, offering consistency in possession and dominance off the ball. The following table illustrates his effectiveness:

These figures paint the picture of a complete defensive midfielder. With a 92% pass accuracy and 6.3 passes into the final third per match, he’s more than just a disruptor — he’s also a capable distributor.

The aerial duel success rate of 65% further underscores his versatility and physical presence, making him a well-rounded asset on both ends of the pitch.

If Spurs succeed in bringing in both Palhinha and Gibbs-White, they would add depth, balance, and tactical variety to a squad that has at times lacked cohesion.

While Kudus brings flair and goals, Palhinha offers structure and resilience, and Gibbs-White injects creativity and dynamism. This trio could potentially form the spine of a revitalized Tottenham side, equipped to climb back up the Premier League standings.

Even if Gibbs-White’s move remains uncertain due to ongoing legal hurdles, Spurs’ pursuit of elite talent under Thomas Frank shows they are ready to shed the stagnation of recent seasons and embrace a new era with purpose and ambition.