Bavarian Football Works

The impending move between Bayern Munich and Tottenham Hotspur for João Palhinha has not gone official just yet, but there is news dropping, so let’s check in on the latest information...

Sky Germany’s Kerry Hau and Florian Plettenberg (via @iMiaSanMia)

João Palhinha is set to join Tottenham on loan with an option to buy. The deal is close to being finalized; all parties have reached an agreement in principle, and last details are still being finalized. Palhinha initially wanted to stay, but changed his mind after Bayern clearly recommended him to leave.

The Athletic’s David Ornstein (via @iMiaSanMia)

Joao Palhinha is undergoing a medical in Germany today ahead of joining Tottenham. Season-long loan deal with an option to buy next summer set at €30m. Spurs will cover Palhinha’s full wages.

Sky Germany’s Kerry Hau and Florian Plettenberg (via @iMiaSanMia)

Tottenham have an option to buy for João Palhinha, set at €25 million guaranteed, with the potential to rise through bonuses. Loan fee: up to €5m including bonuses. Full salary covered.

Bild (via @iMiaSanMia)

João Palhinha worked indoors at Säbener Straße this morning as the details of his move to Tottenham are still being finalized. Palhinha will undergo his medical in Germany as Spurs are currently in Asia.

Bild’s Heiko Niedderer via @iMiaSanMia)

João Palhinha is currently undergoing the first part of his Spurs medical in Munich.

It’s time for another edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Show...this is what we have on tap:

In a crazy turn of events, João Palhinha is headed to Tottenham Hotspur. What does that mean for Bayern Munich from a sporting perspective and financially?

Reports are finally dropping that Harry Kane could leave Bayern Munich after this season. How concerned should Bayern Munich fans be? Does the club need to reconsider its stance to hold firm on its bid for Nick Woltemade?

An awesome Listener Q&A segment.

A review of Happy Gilmore 2 — and maybe two reasons to get excited for what HBO/Max has coming up.

You can get the podcast on Patreon, Acast, Spotify, any leading podcast distributor, or below:

July 31st, 2025 — 4:20PM EDT: Romano provides more detail on move

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano had more details on the prospective move:

⚪️ Tottenham have agreed personal terms with João Palhinha and are in advanced talks with Bayern.

Initial loan for Palhinha… and understand the agreement will also include a , not mandatory.

Spurs will cover his salary, deal at final stages.

According to a report from Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Bayern Munich midfielder João Palhinha is on the ‘verge’ of joining Tottenham Hotspur on a loan assignment:

⚪️ EXCL | Joao #Palhinha is on the verge of joining Tottenham Hotspur on loan. Negotiations are very advanced.

Only final details remain between Palhinha and Tottenham. An agreement between FC Bayern and Tottenham is almost complete.

Contract with Bayern remains valid until 2028.

@SkySportDE

Specific details have not leaked, but the key parts of the deal would likely have to do with the following:

Who absorbs Palhinha’s salary this season? Likely Spurs.

What loan fee will there be? Likely something nominal.

Will there be an obligation to buy? This seems possible, but not a certainty.

In the end, this deal could end up being a way for Bayern Munich to get Palhinha’s salary off its books for this season and allow him to audition for Tottenham in hopes of landing a full-time gig in London à la Mathys Tel.

The Bavarians finalized the much-anticipated signing of Luis Díaz from Liverpool FC to give the team a new look at left-wing? Will the 28-year-old get an early starting nod or will Vincent Kompany hold him out a bit longer? That will be just one of the key decisions made for the match against Olympique Lyon at the Allianz Arena. Get our takes on how things might play out on this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works — Preview Show. You can get the podcast on Patreon, Acast, Spotify, any leading podcast distributor, or below:

Tottenham Hotspur are keen on acquiring Bayern Munich’s João Palhinha. This move has gained steam per latest reports divulging the start of negotiations between the two clubs.

Bayern’s expectations

Despite having bought Palhinha from Fulham FC for €51 million in the winter transfer last year, the Bavarians do not have high demands. Per a report by Bild ( as captured by @iMianSanMia), Die Roten would be willing to sell the midfielder in the ballpark of €25-30 million.

Spurs have begun negotiations with Bayern

Tottenham are in talks with Bayern to get Palhinha on loan as reported by the Athletic’s Jay Harris and Seb Stafford-Bloor. While the favored option is to obtain the defensive midfielder on loan, a permanent move is not yet ruled out. Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur who currently man the no.6 role at White Hart Lane are in the final year of their contracts. Spurs see Palhinha as a perfect fit for that position.

Prospect of the Champions League

As far as what the player wants, Palhinha’s initial position was to stay and prove himself in Munich. However, he is willing to change his mind should an offer from a top club arrive. As reported previously, in case of a sale, the Premier league is the preferred destination for the player. With the Spurs offering Champions League football in addition to the PL, it makes this transfer prospect quite convincing for the 30 year-old.

Per Times Sport journalist Peter Rutzler (via @iMiaSanMia), Palhinha is “keen” on the move.

The Bavarians finalized the much-anticipated signing of Luis Díaz from Liverpool FC to give the team a new look at left-wing? Will the 28-year-old get an early starting nod or will Vincent Kompany hold him out a bit longer? That will be just one of the key decisions made for the match against Olympique Lyon at the Allianz Arena. Get our takes on how things might play out on this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works — Preview Show. You can get the podcast on Patreon, Acast, Spotify, any leading podcast distributor, or below:

Bayern’s focus now shifts to Woltemade (Sky Germany’s Kerry Hau)

With its pursuit of Liverpool FC winger Luis Diaz now nearing completion, Bayern Munich will turns its attention to VfB Stuttgart attacker Nick Woltemade:

New left winger found: Luis Díaz is moving to FC Bayern! Final details between the clubs still need to be clarified, but the deal is set to be officially completed next week. Furthermore, FCB ideally wants to sign another attacking player by September 1 – Nick Woltemade remains the top candidate. @SkySportDE

While Diaz was a transfer for the here-and-now, there is a longer play for Woltemade. Sure, Woltemade would have an important role this season, but an acquisition of the attacker is a much more important proposition for the future.

PSG preparing to lose Donnarumma? (ESPN)

Paris Saint-Germain is having some trouble reaching an agreement with goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma on a new contract:

Paris Saint-Germain are prepared to let goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma leave this summer, according to L’Equipe. The 26-year-old has just one year remaining on his contract at the Parc des Princes, and the club’s hierarchy are keen to ensure they avoid another Kylian Mbappé situation after he joined Real Madrid on a free transfer last year. Donnarumma has turned down multiple offers from PSG to sign a new deal, with recent reports linking him to clubs in the Serie A as well as Chelsea and Manchester City.

Per Fabrizio Romano, PSG is closing in on a deal with Lille for goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier, who could serve as a replacement for Donarumma :

Paris Saint-Germain have agreed personal terms with Lucas Chevalier.

Talks ongoing with Lille as request starts from €40m, as L’Équipe reported.

PSG start moving as they still can not agree new deal with Gigio Donnarumma.

If you remember, just a couple of weeks ago there were some very loose rumors linking Bayern Munich to Donnarumma. Those still appear to be loose, but it is worth tucking away to re-explore at a later date.

Bavarian Podcast Works — Flagship Show: Season 8, Episode 1 (Bavarian Football Works)

Bayern Munich will have Luis Diaz in tow for this season, but that move is not the only one in motion. After allegedly getting that deal done, Bayern Munich can now expedite its plans for the rest of the transfer window, so let’s talk about it. This is what have on tap for this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works Show:

News is breaking and everything looks to be in order for Bayern Munich’s acquisition of Liverpool FC star Luis Diaz. It’s happening and now we can start to react to how this will all work.

Now, Bayern Munich is going to press hard for VfB Stuttgart’s Nick Woltemade.

Is Benjamin Šeško a possibility for Bayern Munich?

So ends the tenure of Bryan Zaragoza.

Gianluigi Donnarumma could leave PSG...will Bayern Munich activate its interest?

In a turn of events, Thomas Müller is reportedly going to spurn LAFC in favor of the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Jamal Musiala is embracing the grind of his comeback, but it is too much, too soon?

Spurs want Palhinha (Fabrizio Romano)

Things could start heating up quickly between Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern Munich for midfielder João Palhinha.

Following Sunday’s edition of the Daily Schmankerl, this transfer situation could get very serious shortly:

⚪️ Tottenham have genuine interest in João Palhinha as initial approach has been made with his camp.

More will follow in the next weeks as there’s no formal proposal to Bayern yet.

Al Nassr might have succeeded in landing Félix (Fabrizio Romano)

One of the great footballing Ponzi schemes of all time — João Félix — has his next victim club:

EXCLUSIVE: Al Nassr agree deal to sign João Félix from Chelsea, here we go!

Player authorized to fly for medical and join Al Nassr, initial transfer fee worth €30m plus add-ons and heavy sell-on clause to meet Chelsea €50m valuation in future.

Paperwork being prepared.

Contrary to what it might read like, there is no hatred toward Félix, but in a lot of ways he is what is wrong with the modern transfer market. At 25-years-old, he could get better, but he also just kind of is what he is at this point. Basically, his performances lack substance, yet clubs continue to think they will have the answer to unlock his skill and talent.

Taking the money grab move to the Middle East will not help the perception that seems to be growing that he is a fraud.

Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Show Season 4, Episode 53 (Bavarian Football Works)

Bayern Munich’s summer action is heating up after a lull and a move or two could be on the horizon. Let’s catch up on all of it on this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Show:

€75 million might be Bayern’s magic number for Liverpool’s Luis Diaz — and we think we finally know why we have been feeling so iffy about the situation.

Bayern made its last bid on Nick Woltemade, which could still fall short of the mark. If that fails...who’s next? Maybe of three Red Bull-related players.

Are we headed into an era of stability at Bayern Munich? Despite rumors of disconnect, there could be a pathway forward to structure.

Isak to Al Hilal? Not if LFC has something to say about it (ESPN)

Al Hilal wants Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak and is prepared to offer him a massive salary:

Al Hilal have offered Alexander Isak a tax-free wage of £600,000 ($807,000) a week in an effort to sign the Newcastle United striker, according to The Guardian. There would be further lucrative bonuses included if he wins the Saudi Pro League or AFC Champions League, and if he is top scorer. Sources have told ESPN that the 25-year-old is open to leaving Newcastle, with Liverpool the front-runners to sign him if he becomes available. However, even the Premier League champions would not be able to match Al Hilal’s financial offer, while it is also unclear whether they could meet the £120m transfer fee that Newcastle would want.

GiveMeSport captured Fabrizio Romano’s report on a potential move to Liverpool for Isak.

“I can confirm that the decision has been made on player side. Alexander Isaac wants to leave Newcastle this summer. The player has been clear with the club this week, after having several conversations with his agents to make a final decision on his future. Now, Alexandria is very clear,” said Romano. “He wants to go. First point, he feels that now there is a really important club like Liverpool competing to win every single title next season with a fantastic squad, offering the opportunity to put important money on the table.”

As it stands, one thing is certain — Isak probably will not be with Newcastle:

Gunners eyeing Eze (ESPN)

Now that Arsenal FC has secured a deal for Viktor Gyökeres, the Gunners will turn their attention to Crystal Palace attacker Eberechi Eze:

Arsenal are ramping up their efforts to sign Crystal Palace attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze, reports The Independent. The Gunners aim to swiftly secure him once the deal for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres has been completed. The Gunners are Eze’s top choice and they are hoping to agree to a £60m fee rather than meeting the 27-year-old’s £68m release clause. There hasn’t yet been any formal contact, but both sides will be flexible because of their positive relationship.

Bavarian Podcast Works — Flagship Show: Season 7, Episode 62 (Bavarian Football Works)

Bayern Munich is working on hard a few deals, but could also be working through issues internally. Let’s talk about what came out of the news this week and if Bayern Munich fans should be concerned, on this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works Show:

Bayern Munich are undergoing a major reshuffle in this transfer window. Of the players rumored to leave the Allianz Arena is João Palhinha. Tottenham Hotspur from the Premier League are reportedly interested to onboard the Portuguese international and are working in that direction.

Is it the right time to sell ?

The central midfielder was brought in last season for a hefty sum of €51 million from Fulham FC. Per a report by Kicker’s Frank Linkesch (as captured by @iMiaSanMia), should he be sold, the Premier League is the preferred destination for Palhinha. The report also indicates a transfer price of half the cost paid to acquire him!

After just one full season since his arrival, Bayern could lose more than half the investment made in the CDM position. Considering the lengthy lay-offs due to injuries, the player’s perceived value has also gone down as a result. Bayern are therefore left in a dilemma. Either give the 30 year-old Palhinha another season to prove himself or let his value drop further by the next summer.

Spurs readying an offer

Per The Telegraph’s Sam Dean and Mike McGrath, Tottenham Hotspur are interested to acquire João Palhinha. This transfer has a high likelihood of going through as the player looks to head back to the Premier League. And so, the right offer from Spurs could quickly turn this report into reality.

The question then remains, should Bayern cut their losses or take a chance and redeem their investment by keeping Palhinha ?

Bayern Munich need the funds, and it looks like Tottenham Hotspur might be willing to make the Bavarian dream come true.

According to journalist Alasdair Gold from Football London, via @iMiaSanMia, João Palhinha is among the candidates Spurs are looking at for the defensive midfield position. However, there is a catch — Tottenham would need to sell someone in that position before pushing for Palhinha.

Here is why this move would make sense, though.

Reportedly, Spurs manager Thomas Frank views the Portuguese star as his ideal number six. Considering the disappointing season Yves Bissouma had, Palhinha is seen as the perfect candidate. The Bavarians too are willing to let Palhinha go — he has not met their expectations taking into consideration the amount of money that went into bringing him in from Fulham.

Additionally, he has mostly remained on the bench, behind regular starters Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandar Pavlović, and Leon Goretzka. His adductor tear left him sidelined for months together, which also contributed to fewer minutes. Bayern’s willingness to take a lower amount — reportedly as little as €25–30 million — also could make him a financially sound option for the North London side.

Now, all Spurs have to do is sell someone...

Bayern Munich defensive midfielder João Palhinha has been rumored to be up for sale all summer, but there has not been a lot of serious interest.

Per a report from GiveMeSport, though, Tottenham Hotspur has stepped to the plate, but could be deterred because Bayern Munich will — allegedly — only consider a full transfer and not a loan:

Tottenham Hotspur have been warned that they will only be able to sign Joao Palhinha if they make a permanent offer as Bayern Munich are unwilling to entertain loan proposals for the Hotspur Way target ahead of the summer transfer window slamming shut, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.

Tottenham have discovered the terms required to strike a deal for Palhinha, according to GMS sources, after discussions with Bayern Munich have resulted in it becoming clear that they will only stand a chance of securing his services if they are prepared to put a big-money bid on the table in the coming weeks.

GMS sources have been informed that Frank has pinpointed Palhinha as a target after seeing him struggle to break into the forefront of Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany’s plans during the 2024/25 campaign, leading to Tottenham holding talks over what it would take to reach an agreement.

Palhinha has little to no prospect of playing time in Bavaria this season, but Bayern Munich seems to have little interest in taking too big of a hit on the €51 million it spent to get the midfielder just last summer.

Will Tottenham — or any club — lock in to submit a real offer?

After crashing out of the FIFA Club World Cup following a 2-0 loss against eventual finalists Paris Saint Germain, Bayern Munich earned themselves a respite before their preseason kicks off.

According to @iMiaSanMia, Bayern’s summer schedule officially gets underway on the 28th of July with the opening fixture taking place at the Allianz Arena on the 2nd of August against an Olympique Lyon side drowning in controversy after being momentarily relegated to Ligue 2:

Bayern’s summer schedule:

• 28 July: start of pre-season

• 2 August: friendly against Lyon (H)

• 7 August: friendly against Tottenham (H)

• 12 August: friendly against Grasshopper Zürich (A)

• 16 August: Franz Beckenbauer Supercup against Stuttgart (A)

• 22 August: Bundesliga MD1 against RB Leipzig (H)

• 23 August: friendly against fan club “Red Eagles Austria”

• 27 August: DFB Pokal first round against Wehen Wiesbaden (A)

As a Bayern fan it is jarring that preseason starts in just under two weeks and the club is yet to make any additional signings despite the transfer window being open from the start of July as well as for the first ten days of June.

Of course, the transfer window runs until the 1st of September. This gives Bayern ample time to add reinforcements, especially to the attack. However, the importance of having new signings ready and available for preseason cannot be understated. After all, a prepared team is a stronger team that is able to start the season on the front foot.

As it stands, Bayern are very much set to start the season on the back foot following what quite frankly has been an extremely concerning display in the transfer market thus far.

Bayern Munich midfielder João Palhinha has been rumored to be for sale and it looks like Tottenham Hotspur could be seeking to take advantage of that status per GiveMeSport journalists Danny Rust and Dean Jones:

Tottenham Hotspur have put out feelers in a bid to gauge whether it will be possible to negotiate a deal which would see Bayern Munich star João Palhinha become another big-name addition to head coach Thomas Frank’s options at Hotspur Way, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.

Tottenham have made contact to sign Palhinha, according to GMS sources, as Europa League glory resulted in the north Londoners turning their attention towards more ambitious targets after initially looking to land Real Betis’ Johnny Cardoso or new Marseille man Angel Gomes when he was preparing to leave Lille at the end of his contract.

Could this be the type of situation that Palhinha would consider leaving Bayern Munich for?

Palhinha’s prospects for playing time with Bayern Munich are very slim at the moment, but he has openly talked about his desire to stay in Germany.

Maybe, Tottenham would give him the kind of fresh start that would be appealing.

Looking for a discussion on whether or not Bayern Munich is equipped with the necessary leadership for the upcoming season? What about some talk on the recent updates surrounding Bayern Munich’s rumored interest in Liverpool’s Luis Diaz and VfB Stuttgart’s Nick Woltemade? Awesome, then we have you covered with the latest edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Show! You can get the podcast on Patreon, Acast, Spotify, any leading podcast distributor, or below:

After much speculation, Bayern Munich has sold Mathys Tel to Tottenham Hotspur to complete a move that has been anticipated for months.

Bayern Munich released the news on its club website:

Mathys Tel has completed a permanent move from FC Bayern to Tottenham Hotspur. The 20-year-old forward spent the second half of last season on loan at the Premier League club, with whom he won the Europa League. His contract at FC Bayern was set to run until 30 June 2029.

Tel moved to Munich from Stade Rennes at the age of 17 ahead of the 2022/23 season. He made 83 appearances in all competitions for FC Bayern, scoring 16 goals and winning two Bundesliga titles. During his time with the Reds, he also became a French U21 international and is currently in action at the U21 Euro in Slovakia with Les Bleuets.

Bayern Munich board member for sport Max Eberl thanked Tel for his time at the club.

“Mathys Tel came to FC Bayern as a very young player and mastered his first steps at the top level of European football here. He was a popular figure in the squad, who always gave his all for the club and the team,” said Eberl. “The move to Tottenham has turned out to be the right one for his development. He’ll now continue this journey with Spurs. We thank him for his commitment in the FC Bayern shirt and wish him all the best for his future. Merci, Mathys!”

It is understood that the agreement between Bayern and Tottenham will be for around €35 million along with the €10 million that Bayern will have received from Tel’s loan spell that lasted for the second half of the 2024/25 season.

This is one of a series of moves that Bayern Munich is expected to make this summer to generate funds to use in July.

Looking for a breakdown on Bayern Munich’s first match in the Club World Cup vs. Auckland City FC? Awesome, then we have you covered with our Bavarian Podcast Works — Preview Show. We’ll cover Bayern Munich’s traveling squad, some talk over the squad dynamics and storyline, a projected lineup, a prediction on the match, and MORE! You can get the podcast on Patreon, Spotify, Acast, most other leading podcast distributors, or below: