According to a report from The Athletic, rumours have intensified around Bayern Munich’s defensive midfielder João Palhinha, with Tottenham Hotspur emerging as a prime candidate to secure his signature. Reports indicate that Spurs are in talks with Bayern Munich over a potential loan move for the 30-year-old Portuguese international, marking a possible return to London for the former Fulham star.
Tottenham Hotspur are in talks with Bayern Munich over a loan move for midfielder Joao Palhinha.
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) July 31, 2025
The Athletic reported on July 22 that Palhinha was available this summer, with #THFC favouring a loan over a permanent deal.
Full story from @SebSB and @jaydmharris ⬇️
🔗… pic.twitter.com/d8MmBPhxlO
Background on Palhinha’s Career
João Palhinha, known for his combative style and exceptional tackling ability, made a significant impact during his two seasons at Fulham from 2022 to 2024. In 79 appearances for the Cottagers, he scored eight goals and established himself as one of the Premier League’s most reliable defensive midfielders, earning the club’s Player of the Season award in his debut campaign. His performances led to a €51 million (£47.4 million) transfer to Bayern Munich in July 2024, but his stint in Germany has been less successful.
At Bayern, Palhinha struggled with injuries, including a torn muscle fiber in his right adductor, and faced stiff competition from midfielders like Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, and Aleksandar Pavlović. He made only 25 appearances, starting just 10 matches, and played a mere 995 minutes in the 2024-25 season. Despite Bayern winning the Bundesliga, Palhinha’s limited role has fueled speculation about his future.
Tottenham’s Interest and Transfer Talks
Tottenham’s interest in Palhinha predates his Bayern move, with the club having admired him during his time at Fulham. Under new head coach Thomas Frank, Spurs are looking to bolster their midfield, particularly in the defensive role, as they prepare for a demanding 2025-26 season that includes Champions League football following their Europa League triumph in May 2025.
According to recent reports, Tottenham are negotiating a potential loan deal with Bayern Munich, initially without an option or obligation to buy. This aligns with Spurs’ preference for a temporary move, as they aim to manage squad depth and financial commitments carefully. However, Bayern’s willingness to sell for a fee between €25-30 million (£22-26 million) has also been noted, though this could challenge Tottenham’s transfer policy of prioritizing younger players with higher resale value.
Fabrizio Romano reported that Palhinha’s camp has been in contact with Tottenham over the past two weeks, and the player is keen on a return to the Premier League to secure regular playing time. This sentiment is echoed by Palhinha himself, who, earlier in the summer, expressed a desire to prove his worth but acknowledged his uncertain future at Bayern.
Strategic Fit for Tottenham
Palhinha’s potential arrival would address a key need in Tottenham’s squad. Last season, the team struggled defensively, conceding 65 goals in the Premier League and finishing 17th, despite their Europa League success. The midfield, in particular, lacked a consistent “destroyer” in the number six role, with Yves Bissouma underperforming and now linked with a move away as his contract nears its final year.
Palhinha’s Premier League experience, physical presence, and ability to break up opposition attacks make him an ideal fit for Frank’s system. His signing would allow creative players like James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, and Lucas Bergvall to push forward, while providing cover for younger prospects like Archie Gray. Former Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson endorsed the move, suggesting Palhinha would be an upgrade over Bissouma.
However, the transfer represents a departure from Tottenham’s recent strategy of investing in young talent, such as 18-year-old Lucas Bergvall and 19-year-old Archie Gray. Signing a 30-year-old would be a rare move for Spurs, who last paid a fee for an outfielder over 30 in 2017 with Fernando Llorente. A loan deal mitigates this concern, offering short-term experience without long-term financial risk.
Challenges and Competition
The deal is not without hurdles. Tottenham’s bloated squad requires at least one midfielder to depart before finalizing Palhinha’s move, with Bissouma the most likely candidate. Additionally, Palhinha’s £170,000-per-week wages could strain Spurs’ wage structure, potentially making him one of their top earners.
Other Premier League clubs, including Fulham, have also been linked with Palhinha, though Tottenham appear to be in pole position. Earlier in the summer, Arsenal explored a move for the midfielder before opting for Christian Norgaard. Palhinha’s desire for regular minutes ahead of the 2026 World Cup could further motivate him to push for a transfer.
What’s Next?
While talks are ongoing, a deal is not expected to be finalized until after Tottenham’s pre-season tour of Asia begins. Bayern’s openness to negotiations, combined with Palhinha’s enthusiasm for a Premier League return, suggests a move is feasible. Whether Tottenham opt for a loan or a permanent transfer, Palhinha’s experience could prove invaluable as Spurs aim to compete on multiple fronts in the 2025-26 season.
For now, fans await further developments, but the prospect of seeing Palhinha anchor Tottenham’s midfield is an exciting one. His combative style and proven track record could be the missing piece in Thomas Frank’s rebuild, signaling Spurs’ intent to blend youth with experience in their quest for success.
