Evening Standard
·23. August 2025
Joao Palhinha reveals Thomas Frank conversation that convinced him to join Tottenham on loan

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·23. August 2025
Portuguese returned to English football earlier this summer
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Joao Palhinha has revealed the role that Thomas Frank played in convincing him to join Tottenham.
The midfielder arrived in north London on loan from Bayern Munich earlier this summer having struggled for game time in his first season in the Bundesliga under Vincent Kompany.
The former Fulham man returned to the capital in a different white shirt this term, and he scored in Spurs’ shock 2-0 win over Man City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday lunchtime.
The Portugal international also started both the UEFA Super Cup defeat to Paris Saint-Germain and the opening-day victory over Burnley, which Spurs ran out 3-0 winners.
Speaking to TNT Sports post-match, Palhinha said that Frank was a key reason for his decision to make the move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
“The coach pushed me to come here, and he showed me the project he has here at Tottenham,” Palhinha said.
“The club is such a great club. I am really glad to be back in the Premier League again.
“Like the last time I was here, I am so happy. Now, I want to enjoy this top club and top atmosphere again.”
Palhinha left Fulham last year for a £43.2million fee, but he made just 25 appearances in all competitions for Bayern.
He emphatically netted Spurs’ second in their victory at Man City, which - at least temporarily - puts Frank’s side top of the table after two wins from two.
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