Palhinha impresses at Tottenham – permanent move just a formality? | OneFootball

Joao Palhinha has been loaned from FC Bayern to Tottenham Hotspur and could stay there beyond this season. Now, Spurs coach Thomas Frank speaks about the current situation.

After his disappointing year at FC Bayern, Joao Palhinha has rediscovered his old form in the Premier League. The Portuguese midfielder moved to Tottenham Hotspur on loan this summer – and has been having a strong season so far. Now, Spurs coach Thomas Frank has commented on the midfielder’s future.

“We are currently very satisfied with Joao, in every aspect. We’ll see what happens in the summer,” Frank said when asked about a possible permanent signing of Palhinha.

The 30-year-old has quickly established himself as a regular starter at Spurs, impressing with his tackling strength, vision, and physical presence in central midfield. In London, the Portuguese player enjoys the full trust of his coach – a stark contrast to his time in Munich.

According to consistent media reports, the signs clearly point to him staying. Tottenham is expected to activate the purchase option included in the loan contract, worth between 25 and 30 million euros, next summer. Palhinha himself also feels comfortable in England and apparently cannot imagine a return to FC Bayern.

Palhinha joined FC Bayern for around 50 million euros

Photo: IMAGO

For Munich, a permanent sale would make sense both sportingly and financially. Palhinha joined from FC Fulham in the summer of 2024 for around 50 million euros, but was never able to meet the high expectations. Under Vincent Kompany, he never secured a regular spot in the starting eleven and was already considered a candidate for sale by autumn.

In the Premier League, however, things are going much better for the defensive midfielder. Frank consistently relies on the experienced number six, who, with his robust style and experience, makes a decisive contribution to the team’s stability.

A permanent transfer in the summer of 2026 is therefore considered a mere formality. For FC Bayern, the deal would not be a financial success, but it would be a clean conclusion to a personnel matter that never really took off in Munich.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.