With domestic campaigns coming to an end across Europe, the majority of clubs start planning for the next season. Bayern Munich enjoyed a successful season as they won the domestic double and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League.
The goal for the Bavarian club for next season is to win the Champions League, along with extending their dominance in Germany. Bayern plan to strengthen the squad in the summer to improve Vincent Kompany’s options across the pitch.
In order to strengthen the squad in the summer, Bayern also need to define the future of fringe players to raise funds for new signings. Joao Palhinha is one of the players who doesn’t have a long-term future at Bayern.
After having an underwhelming debut season, Palhinha left Bayern on loan to join Tottenham Hotspur. The Portuguese midfielder played a lot this season in a struggling Spurs side. However, he has managed to help them stay in the Premier League. He scored the winner against Everton on matchday 38 to confirm Spurs’ survival in the top division of England.
After clinching survival on the final day of the league, Palhinha expressed his desire to stay in North London. While talking to the media after the game (via Yahoo Sports), Palhinha suggested that he would like to stay at Spurs next season.
"Since the first day I arrived I feel at home. From the supporters, the crowd. Top club. Who doesn’t want to play for Tottenham and stay here? I have everything here. What I can say to you is I would really like to be here and I enjoy it a lot this season with this club even being a tough season."Joao Palhinha
Previously, Spurs head coach Roberto De Zerbi had also expressed his desire to keep Palhinha in the squad for next season.
The North London side has an option to sign Palhinha on a permanent deal from Bayern for €30 million. It remains to be seen if Tottenham are ready to pay this fee or if they want to negotiate a new fee for the Portuguese midfielder.
Bayern plan to strengthen the midfield this summer
Even though Palhinha has done well this season, Bayern have no plans to integrate him into the squad. The Portuguese midfielder doesn’t fit the style of play Vincent Kompany has implemented at Bayern. He will struggle for playing time if he ends up staying in Munich.
The record Bundesliga champions will hope Spurs activate the buy option. Using the funds from Palhinha’s departure, Bayern do plan to sign a midfielder this summer. They have also parted ways with Leon Goretzka. Hertha BSC’s Kennet Eichhorn is Bayern’s top target to strengthen the midfield. Considering he has a €15 million release clause, Bayern can fund this transfer by parting ways with Palhinha on a permanent deal.
Add us as a preferred source on Google