Tottenham are finalising terms with Bayern Munich over a loan deal for midfielder Joao Palhinha with a £26million option to buy.
The 30-year old, who had interest from other Premier League sides including his former club Fulham, is expected to undergo a medical over the weekend ahead of linking up with Thomas Frank’s squad.
Tottenham have agreed to cover Palhinha’s substantial wages as Frank looks to add the Portugal international’s combative style to his new-look team.
Palhinha still has three years left on contract at Bayern after joining last year for £47.4million. He wanted to fight for his place but it became clear he was not part of Vincent Kompany’s plans.
His arrival at Spurs is likely to accelerate the departure of Yves Bissouma.
The club still intend to add more signings while wing back Djed Spence is in discussions over a new contract.
Tottenham are finalising terms with Bayern Munich over a loan deal for midfielder Joao Palhinha
The former Fulham star would be new boss Thomas Frank’s fourth signing of the summer
Spurs already added Mohammed Kudus to their ranks, as well as Luka Vuskovic and Kota Takai
The 30-year-old Portugal international started just 10 league games for Bayern last season, with Vincent Kompany often favouring other options in midfield.
Palhinha was a revelation during his two years at Fulham, winning the club’s Player of the Season award in 2022-23 and making 79 appearances in all competitions.
Palhinha came through the ranks at Sporting CP before loan spells with Moreirense, Belenenses and Braga, and his rise to prominence saw him become a regular for Portugal’s national team.
As well as being their fourth summer signing, the deal would also mark Tottenham’s second piece of business with Bayern this window.
Their first move of the summer was to seal a permanent deal for Mathys Tel, who spent the second half of last season on loan at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Spurs face Bayern in a pre-season friendly at the Allianz arena next Thursday, before facing Paris Saint-Germain in the Super Cup final on August 13, then beginning their Premier League season at home to Burnley three days later.
