Tottenham Hotspur have announced the signing of Joao Palhinha on loan from Bayern Munich, subject to international clearance and a work permit.
Spurs have an option next summer to make the transfer permanent.
Welcome to Tottenham Hotspur, João Palhinha 🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/aTAYVaujyU
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 3, 2025
The 30-year-old midfielder becomes Thomas Frank’s sixth senior signing of the summer window, following the arrivals of Luka Vuskovic, Kevin Danso, Mathys Tel, Kota Takai and Mohammed Kudus.
Palhinha joins after Spurs drew 1-1 with Newcastle United in a pre-season friendly on Sunday in which they lost midfielder James Maddison to what head coach Thomas Frank says looks like a "bad" injury.
Palhinha’s career so far
Born in Lisbon, Palhinha joined Sporting CP’s academy in 2012 and gained senior experience through loan spells with Moreirense, Belenenses and Braga.
At Braga, he made 76 appearances over two seasons, helping them finish third in the Primeira Liga and lift the Portuguese League Cup in 2019/20.
Upon returning to Sporting, Palhinha reunited with former Braga manager Ruben Amorim and became a key figure in the side that won their first Primeira Liga title in 19 years during the 2020/21 season. He was named in the Primeira Liga Team of the Year and featured 38 times across all competitions.
Palhinha moved to the Premier League with Fulham, where he made 68 appearances in two seasons and was voted the club's Player of the Season in his debut campaign.
Watch Palhinha's best tackles, recoveries and goals
After signing for Bayern Munich in 2024, Palhinha was part of the squad that won the Bundesliga title, but found regular starts limited - making 25 appearances with 10 starts under head coach Vincent Kompany.
On the international stage, Palhinha has earned 34 caps for Portugal, representing his country at UEFA Euro 2020, the 2022 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2024.
When could Palhinha feature for Spurs?
Spurs' final pre-season friendly is against the team Palhinha joins from, Bayern, on 7 August. They then face UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup on 13 August.
The midfielder could make his first Premier League appearance for Spurs when they host promoted Burnley in their opening match of the 2025/26 season, on 16 August.