Palhinha’s move to Tottenham has given him the spark he was missing at Bayern. The Portuguese midfielderjoined Spurs on a season-long loan with a €30 million (£25m/$33m) purchase option, and his impact has been immediate with 11 appearances, three goals, and a renewed sense of confidence. The 30-year-old admitted that his time at Die Roten was far from ideal. After joining from Fulham in a deal worth up to €56m (£47m/$61m), Palhinha managed just 25 appearances in all competitions, with only 10 starts. Injuries and fierce competition limited his influence, prompting the switch back to England – a league he knows and thrives in.
Speaking to A Bola during Portugal‘s national team press conference ahead of matches against Ireland and Hungary, Palhinha reflected on his struggles in Munich: “Last season wasn’t easy for me, especially when I got injured with the national team. I was out longer than expected. Afterwards, I didn’t get the opportunities I think I deserved.”
He went on to explain how that lack of playing time affected both his confidence and international form: “The moment with the national team depends a lot on what we live at our club. Now I’m going through a happy moment in my life. A new club, a new project. A league that isn’t new to me and that I’m enjoying again. Football and life are very momentary. I just have to enjoy these moments.”
Palhinha’s return to the Premier League fits perfectly with Tottenham’s transfer strategy under Thomas Frank – targeting experienced players who can bring stability and grit to midfield. His consistent displays have earned him the trust of the coach, restoring his confidence after a lost year in Germany.
“I’ve simply been having the opportunities I didn’t have in the past. I feel total confidence from the people who wanted to bring me to Tottenham. In this case, the coach, who was the main person responsible for my return to England,”Palhinha explained.
“When we feel wanted somewhere, I think that’s where we should be. So I made this decision very easily, honestly. Not only because it’s the Premier League, but because I felt the desire from the other side to work with me. And that’s what’s helping me show again what I’m capable of.”
Spurs are expected to review their midfield options at the end of the season, and all signs point to Palhinha wanting to stay beyond his loan spell. His form, leadership, and physicality have strengthened their midfield. With an option to buy already in place, Tottenham’s decision may come down to finances rather than performance. If his current trajectory continues, a permanent deal seems only a matter of time, as Palhinha looks set to turn a career setback in Munich into a redemption story in north London.
