Tottenham Hotspur have been warned that they will only be able to sign Joao Palhinha if they make a permanent offer as Bayern Munich are unwilling to entertain loan proposals for the Hotspur Way target ahead of the summer transfer window slamming shut, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
Head coach Thomas Frank has been determined to upgrade the Europa League-winning squad he inherited from predecessor Ange Postecoglou last month, resulting in the north Londoners splashing the cash on Mohammed Kudus after a £55million deal was agreed with cross-capital rivals West Ham United.
Although attempts to land Morgan Gibbs-White have been delayed, due to Nottingham Forest threatening Tottenham with legal action, there remains a desire to make further big-name acquisitions as preparations are made for a Super Cup meeting with Paris Saint-Germain on August 13.
Spurs Hold Discussions Over Palhinha Swoop
Portugal international remains firmly on north Londoners' radar
Tottenham have discovered the terms required to strike a deal for Palhinha, according to GMS sources, after discussions with Bayern Munich have resulted in it becoming clear that they will only stand a chance of securing his services if they are prepared to put a big-money bid on the table in the coming weeks.
The reigning Bundesliga champions are in a strong negotiating position as the defensive midfielder still has three years remaining on a contract which allows him to pocket close to £200,000-per-week when bonuses are triggered, but Spurs have been keeping tabs on his situation since the transfer window reopened.
GMS sources have been informed that Frank has pinpointed Palhinha as a target after seeing him struggle to break into the forefront of Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany's plans during the 2024/25 campaign, leading to Tottenham holding talks over what it would take to reach an agreement.
Although Spurs have been looking into the possibility of handing the Portugal international an opportunity to return to the Premier League just 12 months after he left domestic counterparts Fulham in a deal worth more than £47million, it has been acknowledged that loan offers will be rejected.
Tottenham have been in direct contact with Bayern Munich since Palhinha worked his way onto their radar as a potential recruit, GMS sources have learned, but it has been uncovered that a permanent sale is the German heavyweights' preferred option and they are not prepared to consider allowing him to leave on a temporary basis at this stage.
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Joao Palhinha was limited to just 45 minutes of action at the Club World Cup this summer
Palhinha Not Desperate to Seal Summer Move
Defensive midfielder has strong desire to stay at Allianz Arena
GMS sources have been told that Tottenham are in danger of facing an uphill battle to convince Palhinha to join even if they agree a fee with Bayern Munich as he does not want to leave the Allianz Arena and is willing to fight for his place instead of giving indications that he is keen to embark on a fresh challenge.
The 30-year-old, who has been described as a 'sensation' by former Spurs midfielder Jamie Redknapp, has enjoyed his time in Bavaria and is desperate to convince Kompany that he deserves more opportunities to make himself one of the first names on the team sheet rather than being cast aside.
Palhinha has a strong desire to stay at Bayern Munich even though he has been given very little clarity about the amount of game time he can expect in the upcoming campaign, GMS sources understand, while his representatives have been made aware that Fulham and Manchester United are interested in negotiating a loan deal if the opportunity arises.
The development comes after GMS sources recently revealed that Spurs were keen to learn more about the ex-Sporting man's situation as he fits the criteria of what Frank is looking for due to there being an eagerness to land big-names who already boast plenty of Premier League experience.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 21/07/2025