Tottenham Hotspur are still leaning towards signing João Palhinha permanently from Bayern Munich. However, Sporting are already watching closely in case the situation changes.
The midfielder has been one of Spurs’ most important players this season. Palhinha has made 30 Premier League appearances, scoring four goals and adding two assists while playing more than 2,200 league minutes.
Those numbers help explain why Roberto De Zerbi has trusted him so heavily in midfield.
The Tottenham manager has also praised the Portugal international publicly during the season. De Zerbi even stated Spurs should sign “more players like him”. This naturally strengthened the feeling that the club were leaning towards activating a permanent deal with Bayern Munich. Even a discount is being discussed.
But the situation could also become more complicated if Tottenham are relegated from the Premier League. Spurs remain involved near the bottom of the table. Dropping into the Championship would completely change the club’s financial picture and summer planning.
So while there is still no definitive outcome, there is blood in the water.
Sporting keeping close eye on situation
That uncertainty is now attracting attention from Sporting, according to A Bola. The Portuguese newspaper reports the Lisbon side are closely monitoring Palhinha’s situation. They are preparing for major midfield changes ahead of next season.
Morten Hjulmand is expected to leave Alvalade this summer. Meanwhile, Hidemasa Morita is nearing a move to Leeds United after running down his contract. In that rebuilding scenario, Palhinha remains a major target internally.
The 30-year-old came through Sporting’s academy before joining Fulham in 2022 for €21m (£18m). Bayern Munich then signed him in 2024 before loaning him to Tottenham.
A Bola say Bayern are open to another exit. The report places the asking price around €30m (£25.8m), although Sporting believe a loan would be far more realistic financially.
Player still strongly attached to Sporting
The Portuguese newspaper adds that Palhinha would prioritise Sporting if multiple clubs offered similar conditions.
A return to Portugal reportedly appeals for family reasons, while Sporting obviously hold a strong emotional advantage because of his history at the club.
There is another important detail too. A Bola claim Palhinha would even lower his salary demands to help facilitate a move back to Alvalade.
For now, Tottenham still appear best placed to keep him permanently. However, the lack of a final decision – combined with Spurs’ uncertain league situation – is keeping the door open for Sporting to dream.
