Bayern Munich have confirmed that defensive midfielder João Palhinha will join Tottenham Hotspur on loan for the 2025/26 campaign, with the English Premier League side holding an option to make the move a permanent one.
Palhinha joined Bayern from Fulham in July 2024, but a combination of injuries and head coach Vincent Kompany's midfield personnel preferences restricted the 30-year-old to just 24 competitive appearances last season, of which only nine were starts.
"João Palhinha unfortunately didn’t get the playing time he had hoped for at Bayern last season," said board member for sport Max Eberl.
"In Tottenham Hotspur, we’ve found the best solution for all parties. João will be able to play an entire season there at the highest level level. We wish him all the best for the upcoming campaign."
Prior to making the switch to Bavaria, Palhinha won the Primeira Liga, two Taças da Liga and the Portuguese Super Cup with Sporting CP, having also lifted the league cup with SC Braga in his native Portugal. Following that he joined London-based outfit Fulham, where he made 79 appearances, scoring eight goals.
For his country, Palhinha has 34 total caps and two goals to his name. Having starred at UEFA Euro 2020, the 2022 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2024, the midfielder was part of the Portugal that recently won the UEFA Nations League in June, beating Spain on penalties.