“He’s released” – Director says transfer to Tottenham should be ‘finalised soon’
The long-awaited transfer of João Palhinha to Tottenham Hotspur appears imminent after Bayern Munich’s sporting director Christoph Freund confirmed the midfielder’s imminent departure from the Bundesliga champions.
The Portuguese international’s move to North London has entered its final stages, with only medical examinations and contractual formalities remaining before the deal reaches completion.
Freund’s revelation that Palhinha has been “released” from Bayern’s squad speaks volumes about the advanced nature of negotiations.
The 28-year-old was conspicuously absent from Bayern’s friendly against Lyon on Saturday, a clear indication that both clubs expect the transfer to cross the line imminently.
“If everything goes smoothly, it won’t take much longer,” Freund stated, while acknowledging that medical checks and final contract details still require resolution.
The proposed deal structure reveals Tottenham’s shrewd negotiation strategy. Rather than committing to an immediate permanent transfer, Spurs will pay a €5-6 million loan fee with bonuses included, securing an option to make the move permanent for €25 million next summer.
This arrangement provides Thomas Frank with the elite defensive midfielder he craves while maintaining financial flexibility.
Reports suggesting Tottenham will cover Palhinha’s €8 million annual wages—substantially lower than initial €16.5 million estimates—further demonstrate the club’s prudent approach.
Palhinha’s potential arrival addresses Tottenham’s most glaring deficiency—a lack of steel in midfield.
The former Fulham enforcer established himself as one of the Premier League’s premier ball-winners during his two seasons at Craven Cottage, averaging an impressive 4.2 tackles per game in the 2023/24 campaign.
His physical presence and tactical discipline would provide the defensive foundation that allows Tottenham’s creative players greater freedom to express themselves.
For Bayern, the transaction represents a pragmatic solution to a failed experiment. Their €50 million acquisition of Palhinha last summer never yielded the expected dividends, with the midfielder struggling to displace Joshua Kimmich or Leon Goretzka in central areas.
The loan arrangement with Tottenham allows Bayern to recoup a portion of their investment while keeping future options open should Palhinha rediscover his best form in London.
As the final details are ironed out, Tottenham fans can anticipate the formal announcement of a signing that could transform their midfield dynamics.
Palhinha’s Premier League pedigree suggests he should require minimal adaptation time, potentially slotting straight into Frank’s starting eleven for their season opener.
With the transfer window’s final weeks approaching, this deal could prove the catalyst for further reinforcements as Spurs look to build a squad capable of challenging on multiple fronts.