Report: Tottenham hold talks as Bayern prepare to offload star | OneFootball

Palhinha opens door for Premier League return

Joao Palhinha’s time in Bavaria may be coming to a premature end. Just one year after joining Bayern Munich for £48 million, the Portuguese midfielder finds himself on the fringes under Vincent Kompany, with only seven Bundesliga starts to his name. It is understood that Tottenham Hotspur have recently held fresh talks with Palhinha, as reported by TBR Football, with the player open to a return to London.

Tottenham’s need for a new holding midfielder has been evident. Yves Bissouma, once tipped to anchor the midfield, is reportedly on the chopping block, and Palhinha has emerged as a viable replacement. At 30, the former Fulham man brings Premier League experience and a no-nonsense approach that could offer defensive stability to Ange Postecoglou’s midfield setup.

There is growing speculation over Palhinha’s future, especially following his omission from Bayern’s Club World Cup squad. While the midfielder remains publicly committed to fighting for his place, there’s little doubt that a summer exit could suit all parties.

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Bayern prepared to cut losses

Christian Falk of CF Bayern Insider confirmed that the Bundesliga champions are willing to sell Palhinha, and at a significantly reduced fee.

“Arsenal made a concrete approach for João Palhinha, as we exclusively reported on CF Bayern Insider on Thursday,” said Falk. “So there’s still the possibility of selling him this summer. The price is going down and down – €25m [£21.6m], perhaps €30m [£25.9m], but that’s it. Bayern Munich want to sell him. If he leaves, it’s also a chance for the club to go for Renato Veiga.”

Having paid nearly double that fee just last year, Bayern appear resigned to taking a financial hit. For Daniel Levy and Tottenham, this represents a clear opportunity to strengthen their squad with a seasoned Premier League performer at a cut-rate price.

Bayern’s interest in replacing Palhinha with Renato Veiga signals a shift in strategy under Kompany, with a preference for younger, more dynamic midfielders. That makes Palhinha’s exit more likely as Bayern look to refresh their squad for the coming season.

Spurs’ summer activity signals intent

Tottenham’s activity in this window has been notable. Having already secured the permanent signing of Mathys Tel from Bayern, their continued dealings with the German champions suggest a strong relationship and willingness to do business. Bringing in Palhinha would complement that strategy with a move aimed at plugging a clear tactical gap in the Spurs squad.

Though Spurs missed out on Conor Gallagher and remain cautious in midfield recruitment, Palhinha offers something different. He is not about flair or passing metrics, but defensive control, aggression in duels, and breaking up transitions — qualities Postecoglou may find invaluable as he looks to toughen Spurs’ spine.

Whether Palhinha fits Tottenham’s evolving tactical model remains a valid question, but his experience, both domestically and internationally, cannot be ignored.

Price within reach for Daniel Levy

There is a rare alignment of factors that makes this potential move logical and financially viable. With Bayern dropping their asking price to around £26 million, Palhinha falls well within Spurs’ transfer parameters. Unlike deals in the past that have faltered on price or player ambition, this appears to be one Spurs can control.

The question now lies in how quickly Tottenham can move. Arsenal have shown prior interest, though that trail appears to have gone cold. If Spurs can act decisively, they may secure a player who, despite a rough year in Germany, was once one of the Premier League’s most consistent midfielders during his time at Fulham.

Should Bissouma depart as expected, Palhinha would likely slot in as an immediate starter. That type of seamless transition, for a club often critiqued for stalling in windows, could prove vital heading into a season with European football back on the agenda.

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From a Spurs supporter’s standpoint, the move for Joao Palhinha looks like smart business. He was a standout at Fulham, the sort of combative presence we’ve sorely lacked in midfield since the days of Victor Wanyama. While some might question his age or Bayern stint, it’s worth remembering that players often find the Bundesliga a different beast, particularly at a club undergoing tactical overhaul like Bayern under Kompany.

At £26 million, this is a deal Daniel Levy should not hesitate on. Palhinha is Premier League proven, knows London, and would instantly add bite and control to a midfield that has sometimes looked passive under pressure. If we’re serious about bridging the gap to the top four, then it’s players like him who can make the difference — those who bring steel and experience, not just promise.

The only concern is pace, but with the right midfield partner, he could thrive in Postecoglou’s system. With Bissouma likely on his way out, this feels like a replacement ready-made for Premier League battles. Now it’s on Levy to make it happen before another London rival wakes up to the bargain on offer.