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Manchester United have missed out on a bargain opportunity to sign a long-term target at Old Trafford after Tottenham Hotspur instead reached an agreement for the 6’3 powerhouse, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Spurs agree loan deal

Joao Palhinha is a player United have been strongly linked with in recent years after establishing himself as a superb defensive midfielder for Fulham.

But, previously, the Portugal international had played for Braga and Sporting CP under the tutelage of none other than Red Devils’ head coach, Ruben Amorim.

Palhinha joined Bayern Munich last year in a deal worth £47.4 million. However, he has not been able to translate his exellent form at Craven Cottage on to the grand stage of the Allianz Arena.

Bayern were open to the 30-year-old midfielder’s exit this summer as he has fallen firmly down the pecking order under Vincent Kompany – but the Bundesliga champions were not believed to be interested in a loan deal, instead preferring a permanent transfer.

United were linked with a move but a report relayed by The Peoples Person indicated the Palhinha was intent on remaining Bavaria. 

However, this stance has now changed – from both Bayern and Palhinha – with Spurs having struck a loan agreement with a €30 million (£25m) buy option to sign Palhinha for the 2024/25 campaign, Romano reveals, with the Italian transfer guru giving the move his trademark ‘Here we go’ seal of approval.

🚨⚪️ João Palhinha to Tottenham, here we go! Final green light arrived right now from Bayern.

Exclusive detail: loan deal includes €30m buy option clause for #THFC, not mandatory.

Salary covered by Spurs, Bayern said yes and Palhinha will now travel for medical tests. pic.twitter.com/UJpO8i6qvI

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 31, 2025

Tweet: “João Palhinha to Tottenham, here we go! Final green light arrived right now from Bayern. Exclusive detail: loan deal includes €30m buy option clause for #THFC, not mandatory. Salary covered by Spurs, Bayern said yes and Palhinha will now travel for medical tests.”

A missed opportunity for United

United are on the hunt for a new midfielder this summer with Amorim having declared the need for more speed in the centre of the pitch after watching his side’s frustrating 0-0 draw with Leeds in pre-season.

But the bulk of the budget has been directed towards the dismal attacking unit with deals already agreed for Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, totalling in excess of £130 million, and a similarly priced pursuit of Benjamin Sesko ongoing.

This has left little financial wiggle room to sign a midfielder – which is what makes Spurs’ loan of Palhinha such a missed opportunity.

INEOS could have secured a seasoned veteran with experience in the Premier League and, more crucially, Amorim’s system in a cost-effective deal to buttress a porous midfield unit. Instead, that same option will now play for one of the club’s domestic rivals.

Featured image Kevin C. Cox via Getty Images

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