Tottenham Hotspur are unlikely to trigger their option to sign midfielder Joao Palhinha on a permanent deal this summer, according to a club insider. The north London club secured the Portuguese international on a season-long loan from Bayern Munich last summer with a reported £22 million option to buy. However, with new head coach Roberto De Zerbi yet to start Palhinha since his arrival, the prospect of a full transfer has significantly diminished.
Club insider John Wenham, speaking to Tottenham News, expressed doubt over the move. "I can't see it as we're building for hopefully a long-term future with De Zerbi and he is yet to pick him to start, whilst he's selected all of Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, Conor Gallagher, Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur," Wenham said. He suggested recent links might be "just agent or intermediary talk." Palhinha's most recent contribution was a crucial match-winning goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers last week, which helped Spurs maintain a two-point gap above the relegation zone.
The uncertainty marks a significant shift from the initial expectations surrounding the deal. Sources confirmed to TEAMtalk in February that the sacking of former manager Thomas Frank, who originally brought Palhinha to the club, complicated the potential signing. The expectation at that time was that Frank would be the one to oversee the decision. De Zerbi's subsequent appointment and his apparent preference for other midfield options have cast further doubt on Palhinha's long-term future at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Palhinha has nonetheless played a vital role in Tottenham's fraught campaign, scoring several important goals. Beyond his winner against Wolves, he scored in the early-season victory over Manchester City and netted a stoppage-time equaliser in the reverse fixture against Wolves. The points earned directly from his contributions could prove decisive in the club's battle to avoid relegation, where they currently sit 18th, just two points from safety.
For Bayern Munich, the situation presents a challenge as they will need to find a new destination for the 30-year-old midfielder, whom they signed from Fulham in 2024. For Tottenham, the focus under De Zerbi appears to be shifting towards a younger midfield core, with recent signings Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall featuring prominently in his plans. The potential departure of Palhinha would free up funds and a squad place for further reinforcements aligned with the Italian coach's vision as Spurs aim to rebuild, whether in the Premier League or the Championship.
