Tottenham Hotspur have taken a significant step toward bolstering their midfield by completing a medical for João Palhinha, the 30-year-old Portuguese international in Germany.
The former Fulham star is set to join Spurs on a season-long loan from Bayern Munich, with an option to make the transfer permanent for €30 million (£25.9 million) next summer. This move marks a pivotal addition to Thomas Frank’s squad as Tottenham prepare for their return to the Champions League following their Europa League triumph last season.
🚨⚪️ João Palhinha has completed his medical as new Tottenham player. 🇵🇹
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 1, 2025
Formal steps to follow between clubs after deal agreed on loan with salary covered by #THFC… and €30m buy option clause, not mandatory. pic.twitter.com/eySIuecJgv
A Return to the Premier League
Palhinha’s journey back to the Premier League comes after a challenging debut season at Bayern Munich, where he struggled to secure a regular starting role under head coach Vincent Kompany. Despite joining Bayern from Fulham for €51 million (£47.4 million) in the summer of 2024, Palhinha made only 25 appearances, starting just 10 matches, as he was often overlooked in favor of midfielders like Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Aleksandar Pavlovic, and Konrad Laimer. An injury early in the season and Bayern’s signing of 20-year-old Tom Bischof further limited his opportunities, prompting the German club to make him available for transfer.
Tottenham, under the guidance of new manager Thomas Frank, identified Palhinha as a key target to address their midfield vulnerabilities exposed during a disappointing 17th-place finish in the Premier League last season. Despite their Europa League success, Spurs lacked consistency in central midfield, and Palhinha’s combative style and proven Premier League pedigree make him an ideal fit for Frank’s system. His arrival is expected to provide stability, allowing creative players like James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, and Lucas Bergvall to push further forward.
Medical and Deal Details
According to multiple sources, including The Athletic’s David Ornstein and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Palhinha underwent his medical in Germany on August 1, 2025, as Tottenham were in Asia for their pre-season tour. The loan agreement includes a non-mandatory €30 million buy option, giving Spurs flexibility to assess Palhinha’s impact over the season. Tottenham will cover his full €192,308 (£166,712) weekly salary, a commitment that underscores their determination to strengthen the squad ahead of a demanding campaign.
The deal progressed swiftly, with talks between Tottenham and Bayern advancing over the past two weeks. Initial discussions focused on a loan to align with Spurs’ strategy of managing squad depth and financial flexibility, especially as they aim to reinforce other positions, including a full-back and a No. 10. Bayern’s willingness to let Palhinha leave, either on loan or permanently, reflects his diminished role at the club, despite his three-year contract.
A Shift in Tottenham’s Transfer Policy
Palhinha’s signing represents a departure from Tottenham’s recent transfer strategy under sporting director Johan Lange, which has prioritized younger players with high resale value, such as Mohammed Kudus (£55 million from West Ham), Luka Vuskovic, Kota Takai, and Mathys Tel (permanently signed from Bayern for up to €45 million after a loan spell). At 30, Palhinha brings a wealth of experience, having made 79 appearances for Fulham, where he was named Player of the Season in his debut campaign. His combative presence, highlighted by a league-leading 154 successful tackles in the 2023-24 Premier League season, will add steel to Spurs’ midfield.
The move also signals Tottenham’s intent to address squad depth and leadership, particularly as they navigate a bloated roster that must be trimmed to meet Champions League squad regulations. The potential departure of Yves Bissouma, who is in the final year of his contract and has attracted interest from West Ham, could pave the way for Palhinha to slot into the defensive midfield role.
Palhinha’s Perspective and Next Steps
Palhinha expressed a desire to prove himself at Bayern earlier this summer, stating at the Club World Cup, “I’m very motivated to prove my worth once again, at a very special club like Bayern.” However, with limited playing time and the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, the midfielder is reportedly keen to return to the Premier League to secure regular minutes and maintain his spot in Portugal’s national team. His familiarity with English football, honed during two successful seasons at Fulham, makes this move a low-risk, high-reward opportunity for both player and club.
With the medical now complete, Tottenham fans can expect an official announcement in the coming days, potentially before their pre-season friendly against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena on August 7, 2025. Palhinha’s arrival will mark Spurs’ fourth signing of the summer, following Kudus, Vuskovic, and Takai, as Frank continues to reshape the squad for a competitive season across multiple competitions.
Looking Ahead
As Tottenham gear up for their Premier League opener against Burnley on August 16, 2025, and a Super Cup clash with Paris Saint-Germain on August 13, Palhinha’s signing could prove a masterstroke. His ability to read the game, break up opposition attacks, and provide a robust presence in midfield will be crucial as Spurs aim to improve on last season’s domestic struggles while competing in Europe. While the loan deal offers
