Tottenham Hotspur Land Joao Palhinha in Major Coup as Loan Deal Details Emerge
Tottenham Hotspur has secured João Palhinha on a temporary deal from Bayern Munich for the current campaign, as confirmed by both organizations.
According to The Athletic, Palhinha underwent his medical examination in Germany on Friday ahead of finalizing the transfer. Transfer specifics, also disclosed by Florian Plettenberg, reveal that Spurs will handle Palhinha's salary throughout the season, alongside an upfront €5 million (£4.3 million, $5.7 million) temporary fee and a purchase clause worth €30 million (£25.9 million, $34.2 million) available at the campaign's conclusion. Plettenberg noted that Palhinha aims to feature in a pre-season match against his parent team on Aug. 7 in Germany.
Palhinha originally gained recognition at Fulham while working under Marco Silva between 2022 and 2024. The Portuguese central midfielder transferred to Bayern Munich the previous summer, however he managed only 10 starting appearances across 25 total outings during Vincent Kompany's inaugural campaign as manager. He found it challenging to establish regular playing time competing with Bayern Munich mainstays Joshua Kimmich and Leon Gortezka.
Palhinha excels as a holding midfielder with exceptional ball-winning abilities. Thomas Frank aims to maximize the potential of a player who earned Fulham's top performer recognition in the 2022–23 season.
Palhinha becomes the second Bayern Munich acquisition for Tottenham this summer following the Europa League winners' decision to make Mathys Tel's transfer to north London permanent after his January temporary stint. The club also brought in West Ham United standout Mohamed Kudus during this window.
The 30-year-old strengthens a central midfield department featuring Rodrigo Bentancur, Archie Gray, Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sar. Spurs claimed the Europa League trophy last season, providing some consolation for an otherwise challenging Premier League run that saw them finish 17th under Ange Postecoglou. The north London outfit separated from the Australian manager during the summer, appointing respected Brentford manager Frank as his successor.
While players arrive, departures are also occurring as Son Heung-min is expected to move to Major League Soccer club LAFC.