Joao Palhinha has left Tottenham Hotspur following the conclusion of his loan spell in 2025/26, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that the Portuguese international will not remain at the club next season.
Despite becoming a key figure in midfield during a turbulent campaign, Roberto De Zerbi has opted against making the move permanent as Spurs continue a major squad rebuild heading into 2026/27.
The decision comes during a busy summer at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with Mateus Fernandes arriving from West Ham United and a £100 million deal agreed for Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali as the club reshape their midfield options.
Palhinha departs, however, having left a lasting impression on supporters and established himself as a cult hero in north London.
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Joao Palhinha Leaves North London
Joao Palhinha’s Tottenham Loan Spell
Joao Palhinha signed on loan from German giants Bayern Munich in the summer of 2025 and went on to make 45 appearances for Spurs across four competitions, including the UEFA Champions League.
The 30-year-old defensive midfielder became a key member of the squad and featured regularly under all three Spurs managers in 2025/26: Thomas Frank, Igor Tudor and De Zerbi.
His combative style at the base of midfield quickly won over the Spurs faithful, bringing much-needed grit and physicality to the centre of the pitch, while also offering a surprising threat in attacking areas throughout the campaign.
The Portuguese midfielder scored seven goals and added three assists, finishing as Spurs’ joint second-highest goalscorer, level with Micky van de Ven and behind Richarlison.
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Defining Goals in a Tottenham Shirt
Palhinha was a major contributor in front of goal during the 2025/26 season, producing a series of memorable strikes across his loan spell in north London.
His first goal for the club came in August, when he struck in a 2-0 win away to Manchester City, and he followed that with a spectacular overhead kick against Doncaster Rovers in the Carabao Cup.
The 30-year-old then rescued Spurs in September, scoring a stoppage-time equaliser at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers to secure a vital point that would prove significant later in the campaign.
Palhinha produced another acrobatic finish in January with a stunning strike away to AFC Bournemouth, although it came in a 3-2 defeat.
However, his most decisive contributions came under De Zerbi. In late April, he slid home Richarlison’s cross away to Wolves to secure Spurs’ first Premier League win of 2026 and De Zerbi’s first victory as Tottenham manager.
His final and most important act in a Spurs shirt came on the final day of the season, when he scored the only goal in a 1-0 win over Everton to ensure Premier League survival and once again spare Tottenham’s blushes.
A Heartfelt Farewell
Joao Palhinha took to Instagram to confirm his departure from the club and issue a message to Spurs fans:
“Dear COYS,
I am writing this message with heartfelt gratitude for all the kindness and support you have always shown me throughout my time at this special club.
Representing Tottenham has had a profound impact on my life, not only professionally but also personally, and it is something I will carry with me forever.
I always tried to repay, in the best way I could, all the affection, respect and trust you showed me, both on and off the pitch.
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As I have said before, what truly defines a great institution and a great football club is its supporters. Players, managers and directors come and go, but the fans remain. You are the ones who keep the flame of this club burning, season after season.
I could not leave without expressing my special thanks to my teammates, the club’s directors, the fitness coaches, the entire medical staff and especially my dear Alessandra Massimi.
London gave me more than a professional career, it gave me two homes that I will always carry in my heart.
With the utmost respect and gratitude, I say goodbye to all of you.
Thank you so much COYS.”
Joao Palhinha: A Cult Hero in North London
Palhinha’s departure from Spurs is unsurprising given the investment in a new-look midfield and, with no European football next season, opportunities for fringe players will be limited.
However, without his contributions, Spurs could have been facing the prospect of Championship football in 2026/27, a scenario unthinkable for a club of Tottenham’s size and history.
The midfielder will always be welcomed back to north London, having established himself as a cult hero among supporters at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
With Spurs and De Zerbi looking to move on from last season’s relegation near miss and new midfield reinforcements arriving, it appears the right decision for all parties for his spell at the club to come to an end, with Palhinha departing after making a significant impact during his time at Tottenham.
Featured image Credit:
IMAGO / Sebastian Frej
