Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly opened negotiations over a possible move for a Bayern Munich midfielder, who was said to have turned down interest from Manchester United not too long ago
Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly begun talks over a move for former Manchester United target Joao Palhinha. The midfielder endured a frustrating first season at Bayern Munich, but previously shone in the Premier League with Fulham.
The 30-year-old was limited to just six league starts for the German club during an injury-hit campaign following his move worth up to £47.4million last summer. Palhinha was a standout performer during his two years at Craven Cottage and was reported to be a target for United and several other clubs during his time in West London.
Bayern eventually won the race for Palhinha’s signature, having seen a deadline day move collapse in 2023. There have been claims that United have reignited their interest in Palhinha this summer, but the midfielder could return to the Premier League with a different club after emerging as a target for Spurs.
The Independent has reported that Tottenham have started negotiations over a possible loan move for the former Sporting Lisbon star. It is claimed that Spurs held an interest in Palhinha prior to him joining Bayern.
A temporary move to Spurs could allow Palhinha to rediscover top form ahead of the 2026 World Cup and prove that Bayern boss Vincent Kompany was wrong to overlook him. Tottenham already have several midfield options but may wish to bolster their squad after gaining Champions League qualification through defeating United in the Europa League final
Palhinha has previously been resolute when it comes to deciding his future. Sky Germany stated that the ex-Fulham star made it clear he would reject any approach from United as he was determined to sign for Bayern last summer after his initial move fell through.
Fulham were claimed to have set a £60m asking price for Palhinha, who was said to be a target for United, Barcelona and Bayern. However, the uncertainty over then-United boss Erik ten Hag’s future, who would sign a contract extension only to be sacked in October, did not strengthen the club’s chances of changing Palhinha’s mind.
United’s missed opportunity could ultimately benefit Spurs if Palhinha does join Thomas Frank’s side on loan. However, the holding midfielder will want to avoid another drawn-out transfer saga, having reflected on the awkward situation he found himself in at Fulham two years ago.
“Obviously, it affected me and my family a lot, but it’s water under the bridge, I don’t want to remember too much about it,” Palhinha said of his failed move to Bayern in 2023. “It’s a great pride, you know what happened. In my life everything that has been happening – it has been for a reason, I like to think that way. The future will tell me whether what really happened was what had to happen or not.
“But only the future will show me that. I want to continue walking the journey as I’ve been doing, no one has given me anything throughout my career, everything I’ve achieved is earned, for my work. I hope that continues to be the case. I’m 28 years old, but I know I can reach higher and it’s with this ambition that I face the future.”
Spurs have already received an endorsement of Palhinha’s skillset from current England boss Thomas Tuchel, who lamented missing out on his midfield target. “I was sad because I know what he would have added to our team,” former Bayern manager Tuchel admitted.
“He was sad and disappointed. We’ll speak again about what happened. Everyone did what they had to do, but it was too late in the end.”
United ultimately signed Manuel Ugarte from Sporting in the same window that Palhinha completed his long-awaited move to Bayern. The £51m midfielder, who is a former team-mate of Palhinha’s, made 45 appearances in his first year at United and has since been reunited with ex-Sporting boss Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, Spurs enjoyed a 1-0 pre-season win over local rivals Arsenal at the Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong on Thursday, with midfielder Pape Matar Sarr scoring the game’s only goal. The club have brought in Mohammed Kudus for £55m and sealed permanent moves for former loanees Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel, as well as signing several young prospects so far this summer.