Tottenham start to ponder! Bayern threaten Palhinha’s return in the summer | OneFootball

Bayern loanee Joao Palhinha wants to stay at Tottenham Hotspur beyond 2026, but Spurs are hesitant – partly due to tactical doubts

Joao Palhinha has his sporting future clearly in his sights. The 30-year-old, who joined Tottenham Hotspur on loan from FC Bayern in the summer, wants to stay in north London beyond the current season. According to information from TEAMtalk, the Portuguese international has made this clear to the Spurs management. But whether this wish will become reality is currently completely open

Tottenham have a purchase option worth around 30 million euros, which could be used to sign Palhinha permanently. In sporting terms, the defensive midfielder has certainly shown why he is held in such high regard in England, impressing with dominant performances right at the start of the season

Tactical doubts under Thomas Frank

Nevertheless, Tottenham are still struggling to find a clear sporting identity under coach Thomas Frank. This is precisely where the problem lies for Palhinha. The Dane is still examining which types of players will fit into his system in the long term – and is clearly not entirely convinced that Palhinha can play a leading role

In particular, the midfield axis with Rodrigo Bentancur is regarded as critical internally. The Bentancur-Palhinha combination is seen as too defensive and not dynamic enough, especially for the intense, high-tempo game that Frank prefers. As a result, the Portuguese has recently been on the bench more often, while Bentancur has been playing with younger, more agile players such as Archie Gray or Lucas Bergvall. Pape Matar Sarr would also be an option, but is currently at the Africa Cup

The fact that Bentancur continues to enjoy great confidence despite fluctuations in form makes Palhinha’s situation even more difficult. The Uruguayan has not yet consistently returned to his old level following his serious cruciate ligament injury in February 2023, but still remains a fixture for Frank

Competition and financial factors play a role

photo: IMAGO

Another aspect: Tottenham do not want to block the development of their own talents. Players like Bergvall or Gray should take on more responsibility in the future. In addition, Spurs are apparently looking into signing another midfielder in January. Should this happen, Palhinha’s position in the squad would deteriorate further

The deal is not a no-brainer financially either. Although the transfer fee for a player with Premier League experience would be manageable, Palhinha’s salary would make him one of the highest earners in the squad. For Tottenham, this is a factor that will play into the decision – especially given the club’s conscious desire to control its salary structure

From FC Bayern’s point of view, the situation is very delicate. Palhinha no longer plays a key role in Munich’s long-term plans. The record champions are hoping for a permanent sale in the summer of 2026 in order to free up squad places and salary scope. However, if Tottenham decide against the purchase option, Bayern would have to look for a buyer again.