With six weeks left in the summer transfer window, Bayern Munich have a lot of work to do on the transfer front. The Bundesliga champions need to strengthen the attack, but they may also do business on the departures.
João Palhinha is the prime candidate to leave Bayern in the final month of the transfer window. The Portuguese midfielder struggled to get adequate game time during his debut season in Munich. Vincent Kompany even preferred to give more opportunities to Leon Goretzka, who was transfer-listed last summer.
Palhinha has been adamant about fighting for a place in the team next season. The 30-year-old has consistently said that joining Bayern was a dream move for him. However, it does look like he has accepted the fact that he may have to leave Bavaria after just one season to get consistent playing time.
According to The Daily Telegraph, Tottenham Hotspur are working on a deal to sign Palhinha. However, Spurs will have to sell one of their existing midfielders to make space for the Portuguese international.
Considering how well Palhinha performed for Fulham, a move back to London may suit him and help him to regain the confidence that he lost in the last 12 months. Kicker in Germany has also reported that Palhinha will prefer moving to the Premier League if he leaves Munich. Benfica have also shown interest in him, but a move to Portugal is not on Palhinha’s agenda.
João Palhinha's preferred destination in case of a departure is a return to the Premier League. Tottenham are showing interest. Palhinha is expected to cost around half the €51m Bayern signed him for last year [@FrankLinkesch] pic.twitter.com/BBaJHUl53R
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) July 23, 2025
Bayern will have to take a heavy loss on Palhinha
The Bundesliga champions spent more than €51 million on Palhinha last summer. After a disappointing debut season, Palhinha’s stock has fallen. Die Roten will have to take a hefty loss on him if they decide to part ways this summer. Interested clubs hold the leverage in negotiations with Bayern for Palhinha.
The Bavarian club will do well to get half of what they paid for the Portuguese midfielder 12 months ago, which doesn’t paint a good picture of the sporting executives at the club.
Meanwhile, Bayern are unlikely to sign a new midfielder to replace Palhinha this summer. They have already strengthened the midfield by signing Tom Bischof from Hoffenheim on a free transfer. Leon Goretzka wants to honour the last year of his contract, and Joshua Kimmich recently signed a new deal. The German champions will be in the market next summer for a new midfielder. Bayern’s primary focus remains on signing two forwards this summer.