Tottenham Hotspur officially signed Portuguese defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha on loan from Bayern Munich on Monday until the end of the 2025/2026 season.
The London club also has the option to make the player’s move permanent next summer.
“We are delighted to announce the signing of Joao Palhinha from FC Bayern on loan, subject to the completion of a work permit and international paperwork,” Tottenham said on their official website on Monday.
The 30-year-old previously played for Fulham for two seasons, making 79 appearances, scoring eight goals, and recording the most tackles in the Premier League.
Palhinha was also named Fulham’s Player of the Year in his first season in England.
Thanks to his brilliant performances, Bayern signed Palhinha in July 2024. He was then part of the squad that won the Bundesliga last season.
Palhinha started his professional career at Sporting CP and had loan spells at Moreirense, Belenenses and Braga.
He led Braga to the 2019/2020 Taca da Liga title and then returned to Sporting to lead the club to the Portuguese League title in 2021.
The title was Sporting’s first in 19 years. He also won the Portuguese League Cup twice and the Portuguese Super Cup once with Sporting.
At international level, Palhinha made his Portugal debut in 2021 and went on to make 34 appearances. He represented his country at UEFA Euro 2020, the 2022 World Cup, and Euro 2024.
Two months ago he was part of the Portugal squad that won the UEFA Nations League.