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(Credit: Imago)

Ciaran Morrison

Sun 3 August 2025 16:54, UK

Tottenham have suffered a major blow in their pursuit of Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha.

Spurs manager Thomas Frank wants to add to his defensive midfield options after missing out on Christian Norgaard, who he managed at Brentford.

Palhinha only joined Bayern Munich last summer from Spurs’ London rivals Fulham, but the 30-year-old has failed to cement himself as a starter in Vincent Kompany’s side.

The Portugal international made just 25 appearances last season as Bayern reclaimed the Bundesliga trophy from Bayer Leverkusen.

Palhinha used to play in the Premier League for Fulham.

(Credit: Imago)

A move for Palhinha looked certain to be concluded, but Bayern midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic has suffered a fractured eye socket which could force Kompany into a rethink, as reported by The Athletic [3 August].

There has been no timescale set on how long Pavlovic will be out for, meaning a deal for Palhinha this summer may not go through.

Palhinha would join as a defensive minded midfielder and his presence could help push other players further forward.



Apperances79Goals8Assists1Palhinha’s Fulham record across all competitions

The Portuguese impressed in his two year spell at Fulham with his ability to protect the back four.

Spurs’ defensive frailties last season was all to see under Ange Postecoglou and adding Palhinha to the ranks would signal Frank’s intention to stop leaking so many goals.

Frank’s defensive work already looks to be paying dividends in pre-season with an impressive display and victory against Arsenal down to keeping a clean sheet against one of the Premier League title favourites.

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