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Tottenham want £47m midfielder as Thomas Frank’s midfield anchor; personal terms no issue

Originally posted on To The Lane And Back
By Jainil Shah | Last updated Jul 22, 2025 3:44 PM ET

Tottenham Hotspur remain keen on Bayern Munich star Joao Palhinha

Tottenham Hotspur have been looking to improve their midfield in the ongoing summer transfer window, and while the North Londoners have been linked with a move for multiple midfielders, the chiefs at Hotspur Way are said to believe that they may have found the ideal midfield anchor for the Lilywhites structured framework under Thomas Frank in Bayern Munich’s maestro Joao Palhinha.

According to the latest by TBR Football, the North Londoners think that the former Fulham midfielder would be a “perfect fit” to fit into the playing style that Thomas Frank is expected to deploy at N17. And to add to the Lilywhites advantage, personal terms are not expected to be an issue for him.

The 30-year-old midfielder only moved to the German giants in the last summer window in what was a headline £47m signing from Fulham, but then if we look at his antics on the pitch, then his first season playing in the Bundesliga didn’t quite go as expected. And with the World Cup lined up next summer, Palhinha will want to have more game time under his belt to prove his credentials for Portugal.

Tottenham want Palhinha but Levy will not pay the full asking price

The North Londoners are said to have already held talks with Palhinha’s camp, with the former Fulham maestro being keen about a possible move, but Bayern are said to be holding out for £30m to sell him, while the Lilywhites are hoping to negotiate this fee closer to £20m. Considering that the Portuguese international is now 30, he will demand a three-year deal minimum with significant wages, given that this could possibly be his last peak contract.

The North Londoners have been in the market to bring in a new #6 this summer window, and given how Palhinha used to play under Marco Silva at Fulham, showcasing his elite ball-winning capacity and positional discipline, it does make him a top candidate.

Conor Gallagher and Douglas Luiz also being monitored by Tottenham

The former Chelsea midfielder is highly unlikely to have a guaranteed starting spot in the current Atletico Madrid side with the arrival of Johnny Cardoso from Real Betis, which makes him an ideal target at N17. And the rumours have been fuelled after he was spotted at Wimbledon alongside Tottenham midfielder Maddison.

Douglas Luiz is also under consideration, with a few other Premier League sides interested.

This article first appeared on To The Lane And Back and was syndicated with permission.

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