Credit: Imago

Declan Carr

Mon 1 June 2026 17:10, UK

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Joao Palhinha was one of Roberto De Zerbi‘s key transfer targets this summer.

The loanee is set to return to Bayern Munich at the end of the season, but there was hope that Spurs would activate the buyout clause in his deal.

However, it appears that is not the case, with reports emerging from Portugal that the Lilywhites have pulled out of the race to sign the 30-year-old.

A Bola claims that the 37-cap international wants to return to his homeland for personal reasons, and looks set to sign for Sporting.

Tottenham boss De Zerbi had made it clear that he wanted Palhinha to be in North London next season.

What was said about Tottenham and Palhinha developments?

John Wenham has hit out at reports that Tottenham are set to miss out on Palhinha, questioning the club’s ambition.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, he said: “From a Tottenham point of view, that is very disappointing.

“De Zerbi had made it abundantly clear on more than one occasion that he really wanted to keep Palhinha at the club.

“I had hoped that Tottenham, backing him, having done such a wonderful job, keeping them in the league, would go out and get him quite quickly.

“They may have wanted to reduce the buy option from the reported £26million for a player who is over 30, but I still feel like that was a deal that should have got done.

“Quite frustrating if that is the case.”

What has De Zerbi said about Palhinha’s future?

De Zerbi had verbalised his desire to sign Palhinha twice in the past few weeks, with the most prominent occasion being before the 1-1 draw with Leeds United.

Asked whether he wanted to keep the former Fulham man, he said: “One hundred per cent.

“We have to start from this type of people.

“More than players, we need reliable people, reliable players, Palhinha is one of the best, as a player for sure, but as a guy.

“I want to see the players with the same passion, the same attitude, the same spirit, the same personality, and we are lucky to have Palhinha with us.”

Now, he will have to look for an alternative option, and may already have a mistrust of the board ahead of a pivotal summer for the N17 outfit.

It is not a good start to their planning for the 2026-27 season, and something needs to change soon to get the boss back on board.

They may well have an alternative option lined up, but right now, it is not a good look.