Tottenham genuinely see themselves paying £26m for Bundesliga winner in 2026

It may only be October 2025, but Tottenham already have one piece of transfer business planned for the 2026 summer window.

Just as expected, Joao Palhinha has hit the ground running since his loan switch from Bayern Munich to Tottenham Hotspur in the summer.

Palhinha is currently leading the Premier League for tackles per 90 minutes, which will not come as a surprise to anyone who watched him during his Fulham days.

Reports over recent days have suggested that Tottenham are expected to take up the £26m option to sign Palhinha permanently, and now, a reputed source from Germany has provided an update.

Tottenham midfielder Joao Palhinha is unlikely to return to Bayern Munich

Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has now become the latest to confirm that the Lilywhites are open to triggering the £22m-£26m option to buy the Portugal international.

Plettenberg explains that Thomas Frank has a very good relationship with the midfielder, who now appears unlikely to return to the Allianz Arena.

The journalist adds that while talks over a permanent move have not been held between the two clubs yet, the player is happy at his new surroundings and the deal is moving towards a ‘positive trend’.

Could Spurs begin Palhinha talks earlier than expected?

Palhinha has admitted that he is now going through a ‘happy phase’ at Tottenham, and is enjoying football again as he feels the trust of the manager.

Some sources have claimed over recent weeks that Spurs could start talks with Bayern over a deal for Palhinha in January rather than wait until the end of his loan spell in the summer to activate his clause.

It has even been suggested by Fabrizio Romano and others that Tottenham could look to negotiate down the £26m price for Palhinha, with all parties happy for the midfielder to complete a permanent switch to N17.

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