Tottenham Hotspur signed former Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha from Bayern Munich

Tottenham Hotspur confirmed midfielder Joao Palhinha signed on a seasonal loan at Bayern Munich and chose to make the deal permanent for £27m next summer.

The move marks the return of the 30-year-old Premier League, who left Fulham for Bayern a year ago, worth up to £47.4 million.

Palhinha has three years left on Bayern contract, but the Spurs see the loan as a strategic way to strengthen the midfield while maintaining flexibility in the summer transfer budget.

Tottenham’s remaining focus on the window will be adding an offensive package after James Maddison’s injury and targeting new defenders and Creative No. 10.

The deal also continues a strong relationship between Tottenham and Bayern Munich, two clubs recently agreed to transfers from Harry Kane, Eric Deer and Matisse.

Last season, Palhinha made 25 appearances in all Bayern matches, including 17 Bundesliga outings and played a role in Vincent Kompany’s title roster.