Fulham will launch a bid to sign 30-year-old Portuguese international Joao Palhinha from Bayern Munich if he does not complete a permanent move to Tottenham.
According to a report by TEAMtalk, Joao Palhinha faces an uncertain future at Tottenham Hotspur heading into the summer transfer window. The Bayern Munich misfit is currently on loan at the North London club for the 2025/26 season, with the Premier League outfit having a purchase option worth €30 million.
Reports last year claimed that Tottenham may open talks with Bayern Munich to secure a permanent deal for the Lisbon native in the summer transfer window. However, the 2024/25 UEFA Europa League winners have second thoughts about a move, and the situation has piqued the attention of other prospective suitors, including Fulham.
How has Joao Palhinha fared at Tottenham?
Joao Palhinha has endured a topsy-turvy ride since joining Tottenham Hotspur from Bayern Munich on a season-long loan deal this past summer. The 30-year-old hit the ground running at the North London club, becoming a mainstay in the middle of the park in Thomas Frank’s team by producing solid performances.
However, the Portuguese international has been in and out of the starting lineup in the last few weeks. Nevertheless, Palhinha has amassed nearly 2,000 minutes of game time in 29 appearances across all competitions while chipping in with five goals and three assists. However, he faces an uncertain future at the North London club. The situation has piqued the attention of other prospective suitors, including Fulham.
What next?
Tottenham Hotspur mulled over a permanent move for Joao Palhinha a few months ago, and it made sense. With Yves Bissouma having no future at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the Lilywhites have been keen on signing a holding midfielder. So, Palhinha was a viable target for the North London outfit. However, the 2024/25 UEFA Europa League winners have second thoughts about a deal.
As for Fulham, the West London outfit mulled over a summer move for the Bayern Munich flop, but it did not materialise. The continued interest is understandable, as Marco Silva wants more options in the middle of the park. So, Palhinha is a viable target for Fulham, as he can hit the ground running at Craven Cottage after his previous stint with the club.
The 30-year-old Portuguese international was the driving force behind the inclusion of the purchase option worth €30 million in the loan deal. However, with Tottenham contemplating against a permanent move, a return to Fulham may be on the cards for the Bayern Munich misfit.
