Joao Palhinha of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates scoring his team’s second goal. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

'I can’t believe..': Why Tottenham signing has left former Premier League star shocked

Originally posted on the Boy Hotspur | Last updated Aug 30, 2025 3:45 AM ET

Tottenham Hotspur completed the signing of the Portuguese International midfielder Joao Palhinha earlier this summer.

They signed the midfielder on loan from German champions Bayern Munich. Meanwhile, former Manchester City defender Micah Richards has now revealed his surprise at the transfer.

Richards was surprised that the German champions have allowed the player to leave on loan.

Palhinha was outstanding for Fulham in the Premier League before his move to Germany, but he never quite managed to hit those levels in the Bundesliga. It is no surprise that Bayern Munich have decided to send him out on loan.

Joao Palhinha move is ideal for Spurs

“I can’t believe Bayern let him go, to be honest. They’ve got a young boy at Bayern called Pavlovic at Bayern. So I understand why a really good player plays a similar position, could play a bit further forward as well,” Richards said on The Rest is Football podcast.

“But it didn’t work for him at Bayern Munich.”

The Portuguese international will look to get back to his best once again. He has done reasonably well for Tottenham in the first two matches of the season.

The transfer could look like a major bargain in the long run if he continues to perform the way he has.

Spurs needed Palhinha

There is no doubt that he is a top player, and he has the qualities to help Tottenham improve. Tottenham need more physicality and defensive cover in the midfield, and the Portuguese International certainly fits the profile. He knows the league well, and he has settled in quickly.

With the World Cup coming up next year, he will look to get back to his best. Regular football at the London club will be ideal for him. The move could prove to be a masterstroke for all parties.

It will be interesting to see if Tottenham decide to sign him permanently in the summer.

This article first appeared on the Boy Hotspur and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: