When Joao Palhinha can make Tottenham debut after transfer deal completed

Thomas Frank's Tottenham squad has been boosted ahead of the new season with the addition of Joao Palhinha from Bayern Munich. The Portuguese international joins Spurs on a season-long loan deal with an option to make his move permanent next summer.

After wowing in the Premier League in his two campaigns with Fulham, the 30-year-old headed for Bavaria 12 months ago but was limited to only 25 appearances for Vincent Kompany's side. Spurs have managed to entice him back to the Premier League on an initial loan deal and the experienced player is looking forward to taking to the pitch in England once again.

"I think my type of game, it belongs to the Premier League," he told Tottenham's official website. "I've always said that I really enjoyed the two seasons that I had at Fulham, it was a dream come true and probably one of the best memories I have in my football career belonged to the Premier League. I really enjoyed playing against top teams, also against Tottenham in that moment and now I can be part of this, such a great club.

"I'm a player with a lot of hunger to win tackles, as you know. It’s one of my main focuses in the game, to try to help my teammates without the ball to recover as soon as possible and of course when we have the ball, try to play simple, to try to give the team the best options. If I need to choose a word to describe me, it's going to be a 'hungry' player for sure."

Tottenham fans may not have to wait long to see Palhinha in action for the very first time as they have another pre-season friendly on the schedule this week. Tottenham take on Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena at 5.30pm on Thursday evening, meaning Palhinha's debut could actually come against his parent club.

If he isn't to feature in Germany, the midfielder could possibly make his Spurs bow six days later when they take on Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup final at Stadio Friuli in Udine, Italy. The game against the Champions League holders is Tottenham's last before they host Burnley on the opening weekend of the Premier League season on Saturday, August 16.

The signing of Palhinha is a change from the club's usual transfer approach but his experience and ability to play in the No.6 role could prove crucial in the season ahead.

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