Joao Palhinha has had an instant impact at Tottenham Hotspur, and Spurs fans fear they have committed a cardinal sin already.
The 30-year-old arrived from Bayern Munich on season-long loan this summer, returning to the Premier League for the first time in a year since his Fulham departure.
Palhinha won more duels (10) and made more tackles (5) than any other player in the 3-0 win over West Ham. The Portuguese ace was then praised by Thomas Frank for his Villarreal cameo after he came on in his side’s 1-0 Champions League victory.
Xavi Simons was Spurs’ marquee signing of the summer, with Palhinha himself praising Simons’ impact on the team. But judging off Tottenham fans takes on social media, the former Fulham ace will be just as key.
- READ MORE: Xavi Simons’ agent reveals the ‘key’ factor behind Tottenham transfer after Chelsea interest
Tottenham fans have fallen in love with Bayern Munich loanee Joao Palhinha
After Palhinha’s six appearances, which included scoring in the 2-0 win over Manchester City, Spurs fans fear they’ve fallen in love with their loan signing.
“Don’t fall in love with a loan player,” one fan wrote on X, alongside pictures of the Bayern man.
Another said: “Don’t fall in love with a loan player, or…just enjoy it while you can.”
“Already love him wearing our shirt. Wanted him at Spurs before he went to Bayern. Absolute warrior,” a third added.
“We have a buy option of £26m,” another supporter pointed out. “If we are sensible we will activate it.”
Do Tottenham have an option to buy Joao Palhinha?
Tottenham have a £26million option to buy clause in their deal with Bayern for Palhinha and Spurs are reportedly covering his salary.
Bayern bought Palhinha for £46.5million from Fulham last summer, joining former Tottenham striker Harry Kane at the Bundesliga club.
However, the midfielder only started six of 17 league appearances for the German giants. In 25 appearances in all competitions he made no goal contributions.
Bayern are willing to lose £20million on him should he join Spurs permanently in the summer.
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