Newcastle tipped to swoop for Joao Palhinha after 'manager's transfer decision'
Newcastle United could target a move for Bayern Munich's Joao Palhinha this summer if Bruno Guimaraes completes a move to Arsenal.
That is according to experienced former senior Tottenham scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.
News broke on Wednesday that the 28-year-old has asked to leave the club to join the Gunners, who had an approach reportedly worth £55million turned down earlier in the window.
Guimaraes is under contract until 2028 and Newcastle do not want to sell their captain, having already sold Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali this summer, but his wishes may ultimately force them.
Palhinha returned to Bayern last week upon the end of his season-long loan at Tottenham, who opted against triggering the £25m option to buy.
The 31-year-old enjoyed a standout season for the Lilywhites despite their struggles, and will undoubtedly be on the list of several Premier League sides.
The Portugal international appeared to be a player perfectly moulded for the English top flight - incredibly physical and with the technical quality to keep up.
His move to Bayern in 2024 stifled him but back in the Premier League last season, he was back to his best.
Palhinha scored several huge goals for Tottenham - seven across all competitions - including the one against Everton on the final day that kept them up.
He may feel unlucky not to have been signed permanently, but the Premier League is certainly not off the table.
"That's the manager's [Roberto De Zerbi] decision as far as I can see. He don't fancy him," King told Football Insider.
"I think the manager now looks at it and thinks: 'Well, we've got Gallagher. We've got Maddison back. We're never going to play all three and it's far easier to send him back."
He continued: "Without any doubt, he'll either go back to a German team or he'll be picked up by another Premier League team.
"If Guimaraes does leave, he could be a player who could be brought in for him at Newcastle. He'd certainly be a player who could play alongside him. That's for sure."
What Palhinha said before Tottenham exit
At the end of the season, many Tottenham fans would have imagined that it was almost a done deal for Palhinha to stay.
The midfielder had been brilliant and would be expected to continue in the team. However, since then, Tonali and Matheus Fernandes have arrived in that area of the pitch for a combined £185m.
In May, Palhinha said: "Who doesn’t want to play for Tottenham and stay here? I have everything here. But this is like a marriage. What I can say to you is I would really like to be here and I enjoy it a lot this season with this club – even with it being a tough season.”
He will not have another season at Tottenham, but a move back to the Premier League certainly appears possible.