Tottenham have agreed a deal with Bayern Munich to sign Joao Palhinha on loan with an option to buy.
The former Fulham midfielder will undergo a medical before putting pen to paper on a season-long switch.
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Palhinha, who had interest from elsewhere, made his intention to join Spurs clear once he heard of their interest in him.
Spurs will cover Palhinha’s full wages and have an option to make the move more permanent next season, reportedly for £26million (€30m).
Palhinha joined Bayern for an initial £43.2m fee last summer, representing a club-record player sale for Fulham.
But the defensive midfielder made just six starts in the Bundesliga last season as it became clear he was not part of manager Vincent Kompany’s plans.
During two seasons with Fulham, who he joined for £17m, Palhinha became one of the Premier League’s standout stars. In the 2023-24 season, he ranked top among all top-flight players for total tackles made, as well as for tackles made in the defensive third of the pitch and also in the middle third.
Tottenham believe the Portuguse international’s arrival will bolster their strength in central midfield ahead of their first season under new head coach Thomas Frank, who tasted victory in his first north London derby in Thursday’s pre-season friendly victory over Arsenal in Hong Kong.
Should the deal be completed swiftly, Palhinha could make his Spurs against his parent club, with Spurs and Bayern to meet in a friendly at the Allianz Arena next Thursday as England captain Harry Kane faces his former club.
