Spurs ace 'very happy with new challenge' and putting past issues behind him

This season was never going to be easy for Tottenham. Nor for new stars arriving in N17, such as Joao Palhinha. The departure of Ange Postecoglou became inevitable. Winning ten games in a low-level European competition was never going to excuse finishing 17th in the Premier League.

The fans who paid amongst the highest prices in the country were never going to buy into the idea of continuing with a coach who coughed, spluttered and refused to look his interviewers in the eye. Joao told the Evening Standard:

“[Last season] was a difficult season for me. I was injured and was out for longer than I’d expected.

“After that, I didn’t get the chances I think I deserved [at Bayern], which also had an impact on my playing time with the national team. But these are phases. Our careers thrive on phases. Now, I’m going through a happy phase. A new club, a new project, in a league that’s not new to me and that I’m enjoying again.”

“These chances are making me once again show what I’m capable of. I’m very happy with this new challenge and just want to enjoy the Premier League to the fullest.”

Spurs should buy Palhinha, 100%

This move brings him back to the Premier League, where he previously excelled at Fulham from 2022 to 2024, before his €45 million transfer to Bayern last summer. At Bayern, injuries and limited playing time (just 25 appearances across all competitions) hampered his debut season, but he’s already making an impact at Tottenham, including a debut in the UEFA Super Cup and strong showings in the early 2025-26 campaign. Spurs are already preparing to trigger the buy option, as Palhinha has voiced a strong desire to stay long-term.

The Portuguese adds bite to Spurs

Palhinha is a classic “destroyer” in midfield—an old-school No. 6 who prioritises defensive solidity while contributing progressively with the ball. Tottenham’s midfield has often lacked a dedicated ball-winner, relying on more attack-minded players like James Maddison or Pape Matar Sarr. His arrival addresses that gap directly, adding steel, experience, and Premier League know-how to a squad pushing for top-four contention.