Joao Palhinha Joins Tottenham from Bayern Munich – But Spurs’ Summer Rebuild Isn’t Over
Tottenham Hotspur have finally landed a new defensive midfielder, confirming a deal with Bayern Munich to bring Joao Palhinha back to the Premier League for the 2024/25 season. The move ends weeks of speculation and fills a crucial gap in Ange Postecoglou’s midfield.
Palhinha arrives on a loan deal with an option to buy, giving Spurs flexibility as they look to bolster the squad in multiple areas. While his signing is a strong start, Tottenham still have significant transfer business to address before the Premier League season kicks off.
Palhinha Returns to Premier League After Brief Bayern Stint
Palhinha’s time in the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich was brief and underwhelming. After rising to prominence at Fulham, where he became one of the league’s most consistent ball-winners, the Portuguese international never truly settled in Germany.
Spurs are now banking on the 29-year-old to bring much-needed steel and experience to a midfield that struggled defensively last season. While Palhinha adds quality, many supporters and analysts agree — Tottenham still need more midfield depth, especially with a packed fixture schedule ahead.
Failed Morgan Gibbs-White Transfer Highlights Ongoing Needs
Tottenham’s transfer window hasn’t been without frustration. A deal for Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White seemed close to completion earlier this summer, but Forest unexpectedly pulled the plug, tying the 25-year-old to a surprise long-term contract extension.
That collapse has left Spurs still searching for a dynamic attacking midfielder. According to The Times reporters Gary Jacob, Peter Rutzler, and Paul Joyce, Tottenham remain active in the market, now focusing on a new forward and a left back to support Destiny Udogie.
Spurs Eye Randal Kolo Muani and Left Back Reinforcements
With Cristian Romero staying at the club, Tottenham have cooled their search for a new center back, but the need for a new forward remains urgent. Among the names linked is Juventus and PSG forward Randal Kolo Muani, who could provide the attacking firepower Spurs are missing — especially if long-time talisman Son Heung-min is sold to LAFC or another MLS side this summer.
In defense, Napoli’s Mathias Olivera is one of the few left backs connected with a Spurs move. Udogie impressed in 2023/24, but injuries exposed the squad’s lack of depth on the left flank. As of now, a new left back is seen as a secondary need, but still one Tottenham hope to address before the window closes.
Tottenham’s Transfer To-Do List
Here’s what Spurs still need to complete their summer rebuild:
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✅ Signed: Joao Palhinha (loan with option to buy from Bayern Munich)
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❌ Need: One more central or attacking midfielder
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❌ Need: A high-level forward, especially if Son leaves
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❌ Need: Left back cover for Destiny Udogie
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❓ Possible: Backup center back (if any late exits occur)
Conclusion: Spurs Far From Done in the Transfer Market
While Joao Palhinha’s arrival is a welcome addition to the Tottenham midfield, it’s just the beginning of what needs to be a decisive transfer window for the North London club. With attacking reinforcements, a backup left back, and possibly a Son replacement still needed, Spurs have plenty of work left before the Premier League season begins.
Ange Postecoglou and the club hierarchy must now act quickly to finalize moves that will shape the club’s chances for a return to the Champions League and silverware ambitions in 2025.
