Tottenham Hotspur have clarified their stance on signing Joao Palhinha permanently this summer from Bayern Munich as the midfielder’s loan spell at the club nears its end.
The Portuguese star has not always been a regular in the starting eleven, particularly since the exit of Thomas Frank, and his future remains up in the air.
Tottenham have the option to sign Palhinha permanently for £22m this summer, but it is unclear if the Lilywhites will activate that option.
Reports have suggested that Frank’s exit from Spurs has put the midfielder’s future at the club in doubt, and there has been a new update from Germany about the 30-year-old’s future.
Tottenham willing to sign Joao Palhinha permanently under one condition
Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has now revealed that the Lilywhites have been pleased with the former Fulham man this season and are willing to consider buying him.
However, the North London club are not willing to activate €25m (£22m) to buy and want Bayern Munich to offer them a discount.
Plettenberg wrote on X: “Tottenham are happy with Palhinha. Spurs can imagine triggering the option to buy, but want to renegotiate with FC Bayern. What was agreed at the time: option to buy set at €25m guaranteed, with potential add-ons that could raise the fee to up to €30m.
“If Bayern do not lower the price, a purchase is unlikely. Final decision after the end of the season. Bayern are open to a sale. Contract valid until 2028.”
Would Roberto De Zerbi want Palhinha at Spurs next season?
De Zerbi has repeatedly reiterated that he wants the Tottenham players to be brave on the ball, with the Italian very much believing in keeping possession and committing bodies in attack.
Palhinha’s inability to progress the ball appears to be his biggest weakness, and one can argue that he is not a natural fit for the Italian’s system.
However, De Zerbi has hailed Palhinha’s leadership qualities, and the 46-year-old may feel that the midfielder is a crucial dressing room voice to retain ahead of his first full season in charge.