CamelLive understands that Tottenham Hotspur are reconsidering whether to make the loan move of Portuguese midfielder João Palhinha a permanent transfer.
Spurs hold a £26 million buyout clause in the loan agreement that brought Palhinha to the club from Bayern Munich last summer, but the 30-year-old has recently lost his starting spot under manager Frank. The midfielder has made 20 Premier League appearances this season, scoring three goals and providing two assists.
He was benched during last Sunday’s 1-1 home draw with Sunderland. Despite regaining his starting berth in Tottenham’s 2-3 away defeat to Bournemouth and netting a stunning overhead kick in the second half, the 30-cap Portugal international’s future at the north London club remains uncertain.
Palhinha joined Tottenham on a one-year loan with an option to buy last summer, a move that seemed all but sealed until recently, though sentiment has now cooled significantly.
Bayern Munich signed Palhinha from Fulham for nearly £50 million in July 2024 but loaned him out to the Premier League just one season later. The Bundesliga giants will incur a huge transfer loss if they sell him for £26 million.
For now, it appears Palhinha could return to Bayern this summer.
Separately, Tottenham’s £8 million bid for Brazilian defender Souza from Santos has been rejected. The Brazilian club values the 19-year-old at close to £15 million, and the north London side are preparing an improved offer. Spurs are looking to strengthen their full-back options, with Destiny Udogie sidelined since December and Djed Spence currently filling in at left-back.
