Bulinews

The 30-year-old is expected to leave Bayern in summer and could become a permanent fixture at Tottenham Hotspur.

Tottenham Hotspur are reported to be happy with Bayern Munich loanee João Palhinha, according to Sky Germany.

The relegation-threatened London club can imagine triggering the option to buy, but they ideally want to renegotiate with the Bavarians.

What was originally agreed was option to buy set at €25million, with potential add-ons that could raise the fee to up to €30million.

However, if the recently crowned Bundesliga champions choose not to lower the price, Spurs are unlikely to purchase the midfielder.

A final decision regarding the Portuguese international's future is expected to be clarified at the end of the current season.

Bayern are open to a sale and reportedly see no future for the 30-year-old at the club despite his contract remaining valid until 2028.

Here's our preview for the clash of Tottenham and Dortmund on Matchday 7 of the UEFA Champions League - with form, team news and predicted lineups included.

Borussia Dortmund made a relatively bright start to life in 2026, picking up a pair of wins and a draw in their opening three games since the Bundesliga's restart. Still, consistencies in the performances leaves a lot to be desired.

Despite leading by two goals at one point last Saturday afternoon, Dortmund required a late penalty to give them a 3-2 win over FC St. Pauli. Now, Niko Kovač and Co. must resume Champions League duties in midweek.

It's worth noting that BVB's last European outing left a sour taste in fans' mouths too. Hosting a big underdog in FK Bodø/Glimt, the Westphalians were pegged back twice in a 2-2 draw in which they were favoured to win well.

In doing so, Dortmund passed up on two vital points – a reward which would have left them in the top-eight direct qualifying spots. With just two games remaining, BVB will essentially need big results to rectify the errors of their ways.

Perhaps one saving grace for Kovač's side is they travel to London, facing a Tottenham Hotspur side caught in the doldrums. Thomas Frank has managed just three wins in in their last 15 games across all competitions.

Therefore, this has the hallmarks of what will likely be a cagey game. With BVB and Spurs both locked on 11 points just outside the top-eight, neither side will want to make a slip. Expect this fixture to go down to the wire.

Team news and predicted lineups:

Niko Kovač's side should travel to North London with a clean bill of health. Only Marcel Sabitzer (calf) hasn't travelled, while Aaron Anselmino returns after a considerable layoff with a hamstring injury.

As for the hosts, Spurs, their personnel issues are worse. James Maddison (ACL tear) is out. Furthermore, a trio of stars in Mohammed Kudus, Richarlison and Rodrigo Bentancur are suffering from various hamstring issues.

Kota Takai will line out with Eugen Polanski's side when the Bundesliga returns in early January of 2026.

Borussia Mönchengladbach have secured reinforcements for their central defense in the form of Kota Takai.

The Tottenham Hotspur centre-half will spend the remainder of the 2025-26 season with the Rhineland club.

Gladbach confirmed the loan signing of the 21-year-old and according to the 'Rheinische Post', an option to buy is also guaranteed.

The Foals' sporting director Rouven Schröder emphasized his delight with the signing via an online statement:

“Kota is a tall, physically strong central defender who also possesses good speed. He has what it takes to help us in the near future.”

Takai only joined Spurs from his native Kawasaki Frontale for €5.8million in the most recent summer transfer window.

The Athletic played down links of Leon Goretzka to a Premier League move.

The winter transfer market window opened today with clubs having the chance to strengthen their squads until February 2nd. Similarly, it also opened the door for some departures as is the case with Leon Goretzka and Bayern Munich.

The German international started 12 out of 15 Bundesliga games, but there are no signs of contract renewal at the club. Accordingly, the Rekordmeisters have one last chance to cash in on him this January.

After Mundo Deportivo linked the 30-year-old with Hansi Flick’s Barcelona, Tottenham Hotspur were reported to lead the race by the English media. However, according to The Athletic, it was a false alarm.

The subscription-based platform reported Spurs have no interest in signing Gortezka at this moment. Thomas Frank’s side signed João Palhinha from Bayern on an initial loan deal in the summer transfer window.