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Tottenham confirm Joao Palhinha loan signing from Bayern Munich with £26m buy option as ex-Fulham midfielder returns to Premier League after just one season
Tottenham Hotspur have bolstered their midfield ranks with the loan acquisition of João Palhinha from Bayern Munich, bringing the Portuguese enforcer back to the Premier League just one year after his high-profile move to Germany.
The 30-year-old midfielder returns to England following a challenging season at Bayern, where he made 25 appearances across all competitions but started only 10 matches under former Burnley boss Vincent Kompany. Having previously impressed during two years with Fulham, Palhinha is no stranger to English football and is expected to bring strength and experience to Ange Postecoglou’s side.
Spurs have secured the deal on a season-long loan, with an option to buy at the end of the campaign, giving the North London outfit flexibility in shaping their long-term midfield plans.
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Bayern’s board member for sport, Max Eberl, acknowledged that the move was in the best interests of all parties.
“João Palhinha, unfortunately, didn’t get the game time he hoped for at FC Bayern last season,” Eberl told the club’s official website. “We’ve found the best solution for all sides with Tottenham Hotspur. João can have a whole season at top European level there. We wish him all the best for the year ahead.”
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Palhinha originally joined Bayern from Sporting CP for a deal reportedly worth £47.4 million ($63 million). However, after failing to establish himself as a mainstay in midfield, he now gets another shot in the Premier League, where his physicality and defensive prowess had earned him widespread praise.
The timing of the move is intriguing, as Palhinha may face his parent club this Thursday when Spurs visit Allianz Arena for a preseason clash against Bayern. The fixture could also feature a reunion with Harry Kane, who left Spurs last summer for Bavaria, and a potential duel with new Bayern recruit Mathys Tel.
With his return to familiar territory, Tottenham fans will be hopeful that Palhinha can rediscover his best form and help solidify their midfield as they gear up for the new season.
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