Frank’s squad boosted as Spurs confirm signing of Palhinha  | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur have completed a deal with Bayern Munich for defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha.

The 30-year-old will return to the Premier League just one year after he left for the Bundesliga. Palhinha has joined on a season-long loan, and Spurs have the option to make the deal permanent for £27 million.

A product of Sporting Lisbon’s academy, Palhinha went on to make 95 first-team appearances for the side. He left the Portuguese capital for the Premier League in 2022, as he joined Fulham for £20 million.

The holding midfielder immediately made an impression in England. He was named as Fulham’s Player of the Season and was widely credited as one of the best players in his position in the Premier League. He finished the season with the most successful tackles out of all players in the division.

Following his impressive debut campaign in England, Palhinha had already attracted numerous admirers. He was on the verge of joining Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023, and had even completed his medical for the Bavarian side. However, the deal collapsed as Fulham failed to find a replacement.

Palhinha continued in west London for the 2023/24 season, once again topping the Premier League for successful tackles. Last summer he finally got his move to Bayern Munich, joining for a £47.4 million fee.

However his time in Bavaria has ultimately been disappointing. He made just six Bundesliga starts for Bayern and failed to make an impression on manager Vincent Kompany.

Despite his struggles in Germany, he has retained his spot in the Portuguese national team. He was part of the squad that triumphed in the UEFA Nations League earlier this summer.

Now that he is returning to London, the combative player will hope to recapture his best form. Spurs have just concluded their pre-season tour of Asia with a 1-1 draw against Newcastle.

Thomas Frank’s side will play their final pre-season match against Bayern Munich on Thursday. Palhinha will be available to make his debut against his former side. On the following Wednesday, Spurs will then travel to Italy to take on PSG in the UEFA Super Cup.