João Palhinha returns to Bayern after leaving Tottenham

Portuguese midfielder João Palhinha, who spent the 2024‑25 season on loan at Tottenham Hotspur from FC Bayern Munich, has announced his departure from the English club. In an emotional Instagram post he thanked Spurs supporters, saying, “Tottenham zu repräsentieren, hat mein Leben tief geprägt – nicht nur beruflich, sondern auch persönlich – und ich werde das für immer in mir tragen.”

Tottenham have waived the previously agreed purchase option, so Palhinha returns to the Bayern squad for the upcoming season. He made 45 league appearances for the Spurs, scoring seven goals and providing three assists. Although Bayern had originally signed him for a reported €51 million and he was once a target of former coach Thomas Tuchel, under current manager Vincent Kompany he was used mainly as a squad player. The club now lists him as a potential sale candidate.