Tottenham Hotspur star Joao Palhinha is keen to remain in the Premier League instead of returning to Bayern Munich at the end of the season and is hoping for Hotspur Way chiefs to take advantage of the option to turn his temporary switch into a permanent agreement, GIVEMESPORT senior football correspondent Ben Jacobs has revealed.
Spurs were not afraid to splash the cash following the appointment of Thomas Frank as Ange Postecoglou's successor in the dugout, with Mohammed Kudus being the most expensive arrival following his £55million move from West Ham United, but they also dipped into the loan market during the summer transfer window.
Palhinha Eager to Stay at Spurs Beyond This Season
Palhinha wants to make a permanent move to Tottenham in 2026, according to Jacobs, as he is eager to remain in the English top flight instead of being forced to return to Bundesliga heavyweights Bayern Munich at the end of the season. The respected journalist told GMS:
"I think the Joao Palhinha signing has been excellent for Tottenham. The original agreement had an option to buy, which is set at £27million. That was something that both Tottenham and the player were very keen on factoring in as part of the deal.
"Palhinha, in particular, viewed the loan as being contingent, in many ways, on having that option to buy because he would like to be permanently back in the Premier League.
"If Spurs choose to take up the option, the player will be very happy with that because he dove into the move, wanting that permanence to begin with."
Palhinha has already made himself a regular starter under Tottenham head coach Frank and, having been described as 'world-class', he has a strong desire to extend his career with the north Londoners instead of returning to parent club Bayern Munich within the next 12 months.
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Joao Palhinha won 10 duels during Tottenham Hotspur's draw with Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend
Spurs are covering the entirety of the defensive midfielder's salary during his time in the capital, which stands at £135,000-per-week before bonuses, and he set his sights on returning to the Premier League after previously enjoying a productive spell with Fulham ahead of embarking on a fresh challenge in Germany.
The 30-year-old Portugal international, who found the back of the net during Tottenham's victory over Manchester City last month, is determined to secure a place in his country's 2026 World Cup squad and was aware that he would have been forced to contend with limited game time if he remained at Bayern Munich.