Fabrizio Romano has given an update on Joao Palhinha's future at Tottenham Hotspur while speaking on GIVEMESPORT's Market Madness podcast amid the Portuguese's impressive start to his loan spell with the Premier League club.
Palhinha returned to the English top-flight with Spurs in the summer, joining Thomas Frank's side on loan from Bayern Munich with a £26 million option to buy. The midfielder had struggled for game time at the Allianz Arena after leaving Fulham for the German giants in the summer of 2024.
The 30-year-old has been an instant hit in North London, scoring two crucial goals in seven league games, including in a 2-0 win over Manchester City. He has been a standout performer under Frank, who is "very happy" with his performances thus far.
Romano 'Quite Optimistic' Tottenham Make Palhinha's Loan Permanent
Palhinha was expected to have a huge impact at Bayern following an eye-catching spell at Craven Cottage, but he failed to win Vincent Kompany over. His decision to leave on loan and join Spurs has proven to be the right one, and it could result in a permanent switch.
Romano delved into the Portugal international's situation and whether he's likely to extend his stay beyond his loan:
"I think there is a good chance of seeing Palhinha staying at Tottenham in 2026. Then let's see if it's going to be via the option, or maybe they want to re-negotiate with Bayern. It's too early to say, still at the beginning of October, so many months to go before they make any decision."
Frank has spoken highly of Palhinha since his arrival at the club and it's said that all parties are pleased with the deal:
"But internally, the feeling is very positive. Palhinha is happy at Tottenham, and Thomas Frank and Tottenham are also very happy with him. So it's a very, very good deal for all parties involved. And now it's going to be about the agreement with Bayern in 2026, again, it's still early, so let's see how the season will go."
Romano added:
"But the start of this loan deal has been positive, and all parties are more than happy to continue together. So I would be quite optimistic on that one, but again it's still a long season and we have to see what's going to happen next."