Joao Palhinha could win two Tottenham trophies in two games as Bayern Munich loan transfer confirmed

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed the signing of Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha on loan with an option to buy at the end of the 2025-26 season.

The 30-year-old returns to the Premier League one year on from his move from Fulham to the Allianz Arena, where he struggled to become an integral player for Vincent Kompany in his debut season.

Palhinha was swiftly offered a route back to England by Thomas Frank's side, though, and Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund confirmed earlier this weekend that the midfielder's switch to Spurs was imminent.

Now, Tottenham have officially unveiled the Portugal international as their sixth permanent signing of the summer, as he follows Kota Takai, Mohammed Kudus, Mathys Tel, Kevin Danso and Luka Vuskovic to North London.

"We are delighted to announce the signing of Joao Palhinha on loan from FC Bayern, subject to international clearance and work permit," Tottenham said in a statement on Sunday evening.

Palhinha buy option 'revealed' as Spurs confirm Bayern loan signing

Welcome to Tottenham Hotspur, João Palhinha ?? pic.twitter.com/aTAYVaujyU
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 3, 2025

"The 30-year-old Portugal international joins the Club on loan until the end of the 2025/26 season with an option to make the move permanent next summer.

"His consistent high-calibre displays for Fulham earned him a move to FC Bayern in July, 2024, where he was part of the squad that secured the Bundesliga title last season."

Tottenham's buy option for Palhinha is understood to be €30m (£26.1m), made up of a €25m (£21.7m) fixed fee plus an additional €5m (£4.3m) in performance-related add-ons.

The former Sporting Lisbon man scored seven goals in 68 Premier League appearances during his successful spell with Fulham, while also making more tackles than any other player in the English top flight in 2022-23 and 2023-24.

Palhinha played 25 times for Bayern last season as he won the Bundesliga title, but he only started six games in the top flight and a further two in the Champions League due to injury and competition for places.

Palhinha could win two trophies in two Spurs appearances after Bayern transfer

The midfielder returns to England following the conclusion of Tottenham's pre-season tour of Asia, which ended with a 1-1 friendly draw with Premier League rivals Newcastle United on Sunday.

The Lilywhites now prepare to head back to Europe for their final warm-up match of the summer, which comes against none other than Bayern, whom they meet at the Allianz Arena on Thursday in the Telekom Cup.

Palhinha should be in contention to make his debut for Tottenham against his parent club, meaning that he could win a trophy in his unofficial debut for the Lilywhites, albeit a friendly one.

The Portuguese's competitive debut could then see him win a second piece of silverware in as many games, as Tottenham take on Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup six days later.

Spurs are still in the market for further additions in the summer window, and they are understood to have enquired about a Manchester City attacker following James Maddison's crushing injury blow on Sunday.