Tottenham to open talks with Bayern Munich for midfield ace after agreeing contract in principle

Soccer Football – UEFA Champions League – Tottenham Hotspur v FC Copenhagen – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, Britain – November 4, 2025 Tottenham Hotspur's Joao Palhinha celebrates scoring their fourth goal Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs

Tottenham are keen to keep Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha on a permanent basis. Palhinha joined Tottenham on loan this summer and has impressed during his short time in North London.

Aside from his ball winning ability and tactical nous, Palhinha has contributed two goals and one assist in 11 Premier League appearances. Transfer expert Nicolo Schira has reported that talks between Tottenham and Bayern Munich are set to commence in the coming days regarding the structure of the deal.

Schira added that Spurs have already agreed a three-year deal in principle with the player that would keep him at the club until 2029.

Palhinha got his first taste of the Premier League with Fulham, where he spent two seasons from 2022 to 2024 before joining Bayern Munich. He endured a difficult time in Germany, failing to break into Vincent Kompany’s side.

He made just 17 appearances for Bayern before he was shipped off on loan to Tottenham last summer. The Portugal international has enjoyed a revival of sorts with Tottenham, appearing in all 11 of the club’s Premier League matches this season.

He has appeared in all four of Tottenham’s Champions League games this season as well, scoring in their 4-0 thrashing of FC Copenhagen in Matchday 4. Ahead of next summer’s World Cup, Palhinha will know that his form will keep him in good standing with Portugal boss Roberto Martinez.

Spurs are looking to complete the deal for Palhinha in January as they prepare to fight on all fronts. It could be one in and one out at the North London club, as midfielder Yves Bissouma continues to be linked with a move away from the club.

He has yet to feature under new boss Thomas Frank and is entering the final six months of his contract in January. He is on the radar of Galatasaray and could join on a free transfer.

Spurs conceded a late equalizer against Manchester United in their 2-2 draw on Matchday 11 of the Premier League. They sit 5th in the table just one point off of Champions League places.

They face a crucial North London Derby with fierce rivals Arsenal when the Premier League returns from international break.

Nadji is a football writer with over 10 years of experience covering the Premier League. His work has been featured on Football Fancast, Arsenal-Mania, and Arsenal.com, where he has built a reputation for delivering sharp analysis, engaging storytelling, and in-depth coverage of the game.