Joao Palhinha, on loan from Bayern Munich, has now been officially signed by Tottenham.

 

Vincent Kompany decided the Portugal international was surplus to requirements at the Allianz Arena, thus Spurs are paying £4.3 million to take him on loan for the 2025–2026 season.

The 30-year-old was only acquired by Bayern Munich from Fulham in July of last year for £47 million, although he only received six Bundesliga starts the previous season.

Charles Jones has now told TBR Football what Tottenham supporters should anticipate from the Lisbon-born player, since those in the Fulham area, where Joao Palhinha made 79 appearances, may know more about the defensive midfielder than those in Bavaria.

Fulham professional advice If employed properly, Joao Palhinha may “transform” Tottenham.

 

According to our resident Fulham expert, who spoke exclusively to TBR Football, if Thomas Frank makes good use of the Portuguese mainstay, this loan agreement might end up being “the signing of the summer.”

“I think Palhinha is the best player I’ve ever seen play for Fulham in my time as a fan,” Jones remarked. In his role, he is a true world-class operator, and at one point, I would have even said that he was the best in the world.

“He’s a tackling machine like no other Premier League player I’ve ever seen, and that was huge for us when we first came up.”

It will be intriguing to see if it translates into being as successful in a Tottenham squad that is significantly more ball-dominant. Frank’s desire for a lot of midfield possession may prove to be a hindrance because he isn’t the best player on the ball.

“Palhinha, if used properly, will completely transform that Spurs midfield and could end up being the Premier League’s summer acquisition on loan with a buyout option.”

It has been said that Joao Palhinha is superior to Declan Rice and N’Golo Kante.

 

The big midfielder’s outstanding performance in England from 2022 to 2024 shouldn’t be diminished by one difficult season at Bayern Munich.

In an interview with the Daily Mail in April 2024, Douglas Luiz, who is eager to join Tottenham, even stated that Palhinha is superior to N’Golo Kante, ranking the Spurs loanee above Joelinton and Kobbie Mainoo.

In a talkSPORT interview, Nani also ranked Palhinha higher than Declan Rice.

After making a huge effect at Craven Cottage, the Tottenham loanee clearly has the respect of both Fulham supporters and his contemporaries in the football world.