João Palhinha poised to rejoin Sporting as Tottenham’s €30 m option expires

The deadline for Tottenham Hotspur to trigger its €30 million purchase option on midfielder João Palhinha, held by Bayern Munich, expires today. With the option lapsing, Sporting CP can begin direct negotiations with Bayern for the player’s return to Lisbon.

Palhinha is currently earning roughly €9 million gross per season at Bayern. He has indicated willingness to accept a reduced salary to join Sporting, where the club is prepared to make him the highest‑paid squad member (around €6 million) and hand him the captain’s armband to secure his move.

Sporting’s strategy involves a loan deal with a fixed fee and a mandatory purchase clause, aiming to bring the 30‑year‑old Portuguese international back after his spell at Fulham, Tottenham and Bayern. The midfielder cites family reasons for preferring a return to Portugal, while Tottenham must look elsewhere if they do not exercise the option.