Tottenham abandon deal for Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha
Tottenham Hotspur have ended their pursuit of Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha following the recent arrivals of Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes.
The North London club have been the world’s biggest spenders this summer, investing a record £235m into Roberto De Zerbi’s squad.
However, the Premier League side opted against triggering a £25.9m option to buy the Portugal international after a successful loan spell last season.
Negotiations over a reduced fee ultimately collapsed as the German giants held firm on their valuation.
Midfield additions close the door
Any lingering hopes of a permanent return were extinguished when Spurs secured lucrative deals for Tonali and Fernandes.
The English club now boast a heavily congested midfield engine room.
Pape Matar Sarr, Conor Gallagher and Rodrigo Bentancur are already competing for starting spots under the Italian tactician.
Bayern demand permanent sale
German football journalist Christian Falk confirmed that negotiations between the two clubs have been completely terminated.
Talks with Tottenham over signing João Palhinha are 100% dead in the water. Palhinha would also be keen to return to his native Portugal.
The 29-year-old is reportedly wanted by former employers Sporting Lisbon.
However, the Lisbon outfit prefer a loan deal with an option to buy, which directly conflicts with Bayern’s financial strategy.
Bayern are firm: they want the money now. They had calculated that they would get €30m-35m if Tottenham had triggered his buy clause.
The Bavarian club had budgeted for a significant windfall from the English side and must now seek alternative buyers for the holding midfielder.
De Zerbi’s unfulfilled wish
Missing out on the combative enforcer denies De Zerbi one of his primary summer objectives.
Speaking at the end of the previous campaign, the head coach strongly expressed his desire to retain the player.
Palhinha is one of the best, as a player for sure, but as a guy. I want to see the player with the same passion, the same attitude, the same spirit.
Despite that glowing endorsement, the subsequent midfield overhaul has forced the club to shift their focus towards securing new attacking options before the transfer window closes.