Joao Palhinha confirms decision on £22m Tottenham transfer with Instagram message

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Evening Standard

·3 Juli 2026

Joao Palhinha confirms decision on £22m Tottenham transfer with Instagram message

Roberto De Zerbi was keen to keep the midfielder

Joao Palhinha has bid farewell to Tottenham fans, with the club opting against a permanent transfer.

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Palhinha spent the 2025-26 season on loan at Spurs from Bayern Munich and it is believed the agreement included the option for a permanent deal worth around £22million.

Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi was keen to trigger as he namechecked Palhinha as one of the key players behind Spurs avoiding relegation from the Premier League, scoring the only goal in the 1-0 win over Everton.

However, taking to social media, the midfielder has confirmed his time at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, short but brief and impactful, has come to an end.

"Dear COYS, I am writing this message with heartfelt gratitude for all the kindness and support you have always shown me throughout my time at this special club,” he wrote on Instagram.

"Representing Tottenham has had a profound impact on my life, not only professionally but also personally, and it is something I will carry with me forever.

“I always tried to repay, in the best way I could, all the affection, respect and trust you showed me, both on and off the pitch.

"As I have said before, what truly defines a great institution and a great football club is its supporters. Players, managers and directors come and go, but the fans remain.

“You are the ones who keep the flame of this club burning, season after season.

"I could not leave without expressing my special thanks to my teammates, the club’s directors, the fitness coaches, the entire medical staff, and especially my dear Alessandra Massimi.

“London gave me more than a professional career, it gave me two homes that I will always carry in my heart.

"With the utmost respect and gratitude, I say goodbye to all of you. Thank you so much COYS"

Representing Tottenham has had a profound impact on my life, not only professionally but also personally, and it is something I will carry with me forever

Joao Palhinha

Spurs have moved quick to find a replacement for Palhinha with the club confirming the signing of Mateus Fernandes from West Ham on Thursday.

Fernandes will wear the No18 shirt at Spurs and has signed a six-year contract, though his club-record £85m transfer is about to be shattered.

This is because Tottenham have agreed a deal worth £100m for Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali and the midfielder’s move is expected to be announced imminently.