De Zerbi Insists Palhinha Must Remain at Tottenham as Transfer Window Heats Up

The gaffer at the Tottenham Hotspur technical area, Roberto De Zerbi, has made it abundantly clear that he will not countenance the departure of Portuguese midfield enforcer Joao Palhinha from North London this January. In a frank exchange with GoalZaza at the club's training ground, De Zerbi declared that the former Sporting Lisbon stalwart is integral to his plans and that the powers that be at the club are fully aligned with his stance. Palhinha, a formidable figure in the centre of the pitch, has attracted admiring glances from several European heavyweights following a string of commanding displays for the Lilywhites. But De Zerbi, a manager known for his exacting standards, has warned suitors that they are wasting their time.. �At the end of the day, Joao is not a commodity for sale. He is the lion's share of our defensive structure. The club is building something here, and you do not dismantle a fortress to please outsiders,. � the Italian tactician told GoalZaza. In the scheme of things, Tottenham's resolve will be tested. Yet, with the Nigerian international, Victor Osimhen, tearing up defences in Serie A and his compatriot Victor Boniface doing likewise in the Bundesliga, the Premier League remains the epicentre of the global transfer market. A move for Palhinha, valued in the region of. ��6.4 billion (. ��40 million), would require a suitor to convince De Zerbi that the deal is worth sacrificing a key cog in his machine. For now, the Italian has put his boot down. The club is expected to reject any approach, preferring to keep their man in a white jersey for the remainder of the season. As for the local viewing centres in Surulere and along the Lekki axis, the news will no doubt provoke animated debate. Fans gathered around large screens, clutching bottles of Zobo and cold Star lager, will nod in approval.. �Naija football people know that if you lose your core midfielder in January, you kiss your Champions League dream goodbye,. � one supporter shouted to GoalZaza.. �De Zerbi is wise. If Osimhen's Napoli lost their key man midseason, would they have won the Scudetto? That is the lesson.. �