Tottenham have signed Joao Palhinha on loan from Bayern Munich, with an option to buy the midfielder at the end of the season for £27m.
Palhinha makes a Premier League return, one year after he joined Bayern from Fulham for a fee worth up to £47.4m.
The 30-year-old midfielder has three years remaining on his current Bayern contract.
The loan deal gives Spurs flexibility to spend funds elsewhere this summer, with a priority to bolster the attacking positions, particularly after James Maddison’s injury, while they also want to add a full-back and a No 10.
“When I knew of the interest from Tottenham, I didn’t need to think about it too much. I just wanted to come (here),” Palhinha told Spursplay.
“The coach (Thomas Frank) is probably the main thing which had more of an impact on my decision – when you feel that someone wants you, it means a lot and you are closer to making an easy decision.
“I will try to help to show again what I am capable to do it. Now my home is here (in London) and I will try to enjoy these moments with my family.”
Spurs and Bayern are on good terms after doing deals for Harry Kane, Eric Dier and Mathys Tel in recent seasons.
Palhinha made 25 appearances across all competitions for Bayern last season, including 17 outings in the Bundesliga as Vincent Kompany’s side went on to become champions.
Analysis: Palhinha adds bite to Spurs midfield
Joao Palhinha’s stats in the 2023/24 Premier League season before he departed Fulham for Bayern Munich
Sky Sports’ Peter Smith:
“Joao Palhinha left the Premier League last summer as the toughest tackler in the top flight. His total of 152 tackles was more than any other player by a distance and was the standout trait of the Fulham enforcer. There were 13 yellows in that 2023/24 season, too, underlining the bite he brings to midfield battles. And that would be a welcome addition to Spurs’ play.
“Neither Yves Bissouma, Pape Sarr nor Rodrigo Bentancur are as ruthless at winning the ball back as Palhinha, who also ranked among the top 10 for interceptions during his previous Premier League campaign.
“Palhinha’s belated move to Bayern Munich didn’t prove to be worth the wait, with an injury disruptive and head coach Vincent Kompany ultimately leaving him on the fringes. But a return to London looks like a smart switch for the Portuguese and Spurs – and a daunting one for opposition midfielders.”
Frank: We will be active in the transfer market
Tottenham boss Thomas Frank admitted the club are “looking” for further additions in the summer transfer window.
Spurs have already secured the signing of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham, as well as Kota Takai and Luka Vuskovic.
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Sky Sports News’ Michael Bridge discusses Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha’s potential loan move to Spurs
Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel have also seen their initial loan moves converted into permanent deals.
However, Frank’s side missed out on Morgan Gibbs-White after the England international signed a new three-year deal at the City Ground.
Forest accused Spurs of making an illegal approach for the midfielder with a £60m bid earlier this month.
Speaking in his first press conference since being appointed to the role, Frank commented on further incomings, saying: “There is no doubt that, if you want to compete in all tournaments, you need a competitive squad.
“There are a lot of competitive players in the squad already. The club is in the market and looking.
“What will happen, I will speak when a player comes into the building.”
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From next season, Sky Sports’ Premier League coverage will increase from 128 matches to at least 215 games exclusively live.
And 80 per cent of all televised Premier League games next season are on Sky Sports.
