João Palhinha is set to complete a loan move from Bayern Munich to Tottenham Hotspur, according to The Times. The Portuguese midfielder will undergo a medical in Germany before finalising the switch, which is expected to include an option to buy.
The 30-year-old joined Bayern last summer for £42.3 million after an outstanding stint with Fulham, where he was named player of the season and topped the Premier League for tackles in both campaigns. However, his first season in the Bundesliga proved challenging.
Under new head coach Vincent Kompany, Palhinha struggled for regular minutes, making just six starts in 17 league appearances and dealing with both tactical adjustments and injury issues.
Spurs view Palhinha as an ideal reinforcement for their midfield. Head coach Thomas Frank is eager to add steel in the middle of the park, and Palhinha’s proven record in English football makes him a strong candidate. He had previously been a target for West Ham and was close to joining Bayern under Thomas Tuchel before a late collapse in 2023.
🚨⚪️ João Palhinha to Tottenham, here we go! Final green light arrived right now from Bayern.
Exclusive detail: loan deal includes €30m buy option clause for #THFC, not mandatory.
Salary covered by Spurs, Bayern said yes and Palhinha will now travel for medical tests. pic.twitter.com/UJpO8i6qvI
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 31, 2025
Tottenham have had a quiet transfer window so far, with Mohammed Kudus their only major signing. The Ghana international impressed in their recent 1–0 friendly win over Arsenal, playing a key role in Pape Matar Sarr’s winning goal.
Spurs remain active in the market. They are pursuing another forward after a proposed move for Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White fell through. Interest has also been renewed in Randal Kolo Muani, who spent last season on loan at Juventus and scored eight goals in 16 Serie A appearances.
Frank praised Kudus for his attacking flair and work rate, highlighting the winger’s ability to contribute defensively as well. “He will make a lot of the fans excited,” said Frank.
Spurs continue to strengthen ahead of the new campaign as they aim to return to the top four.
Photo: Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
