Tottenham Close in on João Palhinha as Bayern Munich Reject €30m Bid
Tottenham Hotspur are edging closer to securing the signature of Portuguese midfielder João Palhinha after Bayern Munich rejected their initial €30 million offer. The Bundesliga champions are holding firm on their €40 million valuation as they look to recoup the amount they paid Fulham last summer.
Bayern’s preference has been to arrange a loan deal with an option to buy, as new manager Vincent Kompany assesses his squad depth ahead of the upcoming season. However, Tottenham are pushing for a permanent move and are confident that their proposal will convince both the player and the German giants to agree terms. Spurs see Palhinha as a crucial addition to their midfield, offering defensive solidity and experience in high-pressure games.
The 29-year-old has grown increasingly concerned over his limited opportunities at Bayern. Despite being highly rated, Palhinha struggled to cement a consistent starting spot following his move to Munich, largely due to tactical adjustments and fierce competition in the midfield. With Tottenham offering regular playing time and Champions League football, the Portugal international is reportedly open to making the switch to North London.
Spurs’ manager Ange Postecoglou has identified midfield reinforcement as a priority to balance the squad for both domestic and European campaigns. Palhinha’s ball-winning ability, physicality, and leadership qualities fit perfectly into the Australian coach’s system. Tottenham believe his presence will add steel to their midfield and provide crucial depth as they aim to compete on multiple fronts.
For Bayern Munich, the decision comes down to finance and squad planning. After a summer of heavy investment and restructuring under Kompany, the club are keen to avoid a loss on Palhinha after spending €40 million to bring him in. The German champions see the midfielder as a valuable asset and will only sanction his departure if their valuation is met.
Negotiations are expected to intensify in the coming days, with Tottenham prepared to increase their bid closer to Bayern’s asking price. Sources close to the talks suggest the North London club are willing to offer add-ons and performance-related bonuses to bridge the gap between the two clubs’ positions.
The player’s willingness to move could ultimately prove decisive. Palhinha wants consistent game time ahead of the upcoming international fixtures and views the Premier League as a familiar and competitive environment to showcase his talent. With Spurs offering a long-term project and Champions League football, the deal has all the ingredients to be completed soon.
If successful, Palhinha’s arrival would represent another statement signing for Tottenham under Thomas frank, signalling their intent to strengthen the squad with experienced, top-level talent as they aim to compete at the highest level.
