Manchester United are now confirmed to have missed out on one of their midfield targets in the form of Bayern Munich’s João Palhinha.
Indeed, the Portugal international is poised to join Tottenham Hotspur on a season-long loan from the Bundesliga giants after failing to cement a starting role under Vincent Kompany.
United had been credited with interest in Palhinha on numerous occasions since the window opened, but the need to prioritise the forward positions has allowed Spurs to get a deal wrapped up swiftly.
Joao Palhinha on cusp of signing for Tottenham
Now, the former Fulham ace is awaiting his medical, which is likely to be completed today.
Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg confirmed the ‘new details’ of the loan deal after a ‘breakthrough’ yesterday; Tottenham will have the option of making Palhinha’s transfer permanent upon the culmination of his temporary spell for £21.6 million.
They are paying a £4.3m loan fee and are covering his full wages, worth a reported £166,000 per week before bonuses (Capology).
How Palhinha has fared over the last year
Last July, the 30-year-old signed for Bayern in a £42.3m switch from Fulham. It came just under a year on from his failed transfer to the German giants, whereby he travelled to Munich to undergo his medical and even went as far as completing media duties at the Allianz Arena, before the Cottagers called off the deal on deadline day due to them being unable to sign a replacement in time.
Bayern revived their pursuit 10 months later and were successful the second time around. However, Kompany proceeded to utilise Palhinha sparingly throughout 2024/2025; the player made a total of just 25 appearances across all competitions, including only 10 starts.
Alas, a return to the English top flight will allow Palhinha to ply his trade in a more familiar environment under new head coach Thomas Frank.
