Bayern Munich trimmed the squad last summer to balance the books and make space for new signings. The Bavarian club strengthened the midfield by signing Tom Bischof from Hoffenheim on a free transfer. Bischof’s arrival allowed Bayern to part ways with Joao Palhinha.
The Portuguese midfielder left Bayern to join Tottenham Hotspur on a season-long loan. The Premier League side also has an option to sign Palhinha for €30 million. Considering the way Palhinha started the season, it looked certain that Spurs would sign him permanently. However, things have changed completely midway through the season.
According to Talksport journalist Alex Crook (via iMiaSanMia), Tottenham Hotspur are having second thoughts about signing Palhinha in the summer. As things stand, the Portuguese midfielder is expected to be back at Bayern at the end of the season.
Palhinha has had a lot of game time for Spurs this season. After struggling to get on the pitch in Munich last season, Palhinha has made 29 appearances across all competitions. He has accumulated in excess of 1800 minutes this campaign. Spurs have struggled under Thomas Frank, and Palhinha’s form has also dipped as the season has progressed.
Meanwhile, Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg is reporting that Spurs are yet to decide on Palhinha’s future. The English club will make a final decision at the end of the season.
Tottenham have yet to make a decision on whether to sign João Palhinha permanently. A decision is expected towards the end of the season. Option to buy is worth €25m fixed that could go up to €30m depending on factors such as appearances and trophies [@Plettigoal] pic.twitter.com/qJUs3RUrB3
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) January 8, 2026
Bayern will look for permanent offers for Palhinha in the summer
It is certain that Palhinha has a future at Bayern. The Bavarian club will listen to other offers for the Portuguese midfielder if Spurs decide against signing the 30-year-old midfielder.
Palhinha is one of the poor signings Bayern have made in the last decade. It is not Palhinha’s fault since he didn’t get adequate game time to show his quality in Munich. Bayern made the mistake of going for the wrong type of midfielder. The Bavarian club is going to make a significant loss on a player for whom they had paid over €50 million in 2024.
The record Bundesliga champions are expected to strengthen the midfield department in the summer at the expense of Leon Goretzka. The experienced German midfielder is unlikely to receive a new contract, paving the way for a free transfer exit in the summer. He is attracting interest during the winter transfer window, but Bayern and Goretzka have no plans to part ways midway through the season. Bayern are looking at young midfielders to add more youthful energy in the middle of the park.