New Spurs boss Thomas Frank has prioritised defensive stability in his squad overhaul. With doubts looming over the futures of Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur, Palhinha’s arrival offers immediate reinforcement. The club also retain the option to make the move permanent at the end of the campaign.

Tottenham has bolstered its midfield ahead of its return to the Champions League by signing Portugal international João Palhinha on loan from Bayern Munich with an option to buy. The defensive midfielder returns to London and the Premier League a year after leaving Fulham for a much-hyped but largely unsuccessful move to Bayern.