Tottenham suffer Joao Palhinha setback as injury concern emerges
Tottenham have suffered a major blow in their pursuit of Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha.
Spurs manager Thomas Frank wants to add to his defensive midfield options after missing out on Christian Norgaard, who he managed at Brentford.
Palhinha only joined Bayern Munich last summer from Spurs’ London rivals Fulham, but the 30-year-old has failed to cement himself as a starter in Vincent Kompany’s side.
The Portugal international made just 25 appearances last season as Bayern reclaimed the Bundesliga trophy from Bayer Leverkusen.
Palhinha move in doubt after injury in Bayern ranks
A move for Palhinha looked certain to be concluded, but Bayern midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic has suffered a fractured eye socket which could force Kompany into a rethink, as reported by The Athletic [3 August].
There has been no timescale set on how long Pavlovic will be out for, meaning a deal for Palhinha this summer may not go through.
Kompany has already lost attacking midfielder Jamal Musiala who could miss the entirety of the 2025/26 season after suffering a broken leg and dislocated ankle at the Club World Cup.
Bayern and Spurs will meet in a friendly at the Allianz Arena in four days time.
Maddison concern could prompt transfer action
Football Insider Verdict
Frank has his own injury worries in midfield after James Maddison was stretched off in Spurs’ pre-season draw with Newcastle.
Against the Toon, Frank started Pape Sarr in the number 10 position and the Dane may need to experiment with his midfield options to find a solution or dip into the transfer market.
The importance of keeping Dejan Kulusevski is now pivotal, with the Swedish international rumoured to be heading back to Italy.
Palhinha would join as a defensive minded midfielder and his presence could help push other players further forward.
| Apperances | 79 |
| Goals | 8 |
| Assists | 1 |
The Portuguese impressed in his two year spell at Fulham with his ability to protect the back four.
Spurs’ defensive frailties last season was all to see under Ange Postecoglou and adding Palhinha to the ranks would signal Frank’s intention to stop leaking so many goals.
Frank’s defensive work already looks to be paying dividends in pre-season with an impressive display and victory against Arsenal down to keeping a clean sheet against one of the Premier League title favourites.