​Midfielder João Palhinha is set to return to Bayern Munich, at least on a temporary basis. After Tottenham Hotspur sent him well wishes, Sporting CP was expected to be his next destination. Yet there remains some uncertainty about Sporting’s ability to strike a deal with Bayern Munich and Palhinha. Juventus, however, could be ready to test the waters with the 30-year-old.
Juventus is weighing a move for João Palhinha following his loan spell at Tottenham from Bayern Munich that ended this summer. The Portuguese midfielder now has to evaluate his options as he aims to secure regular first-team football ahead of the new season. Tottenham’s recent acquisitions of two high-priced midfielders suggest they do not plan to keep Palhinha beyond the end of his loan, making him available for another club during the current transfer window. This development has opened the door for Palhinha to join another side, with Juventus showing interest in adding him to their squad. According to TuttoJuve, the Bianconeri see the experienced midfielder as someone who could bolster their options as they continue to reshape the squad.
Bayern Munich also appears to be moving on from Palhinha, having loaned him out in the previous campaign. The German club is now hoping he can secure a permanent move elsewhere, effectively ending his spell in Bavaria. Juventus views Palhinha as an ideal veteran addition to a squad in need of significant changes during this transfer window. His midfield experience and qualities have kept him among the club’s top targets as they assess potential signings. A move to Juventus may still be unlikely, but Palhinha has no role remaining in Bavaria and must go somewhere. At this point, Bayern Munich might be prepared to take a substantial financial hit simply to remove his salary from the books and recoup some value.
Meanwhile, Anderlecht midfielder Nathan De Cat, who had been linked with Bayern Munich, is headed to Hoffenheim: Breaking: Nathan De Cat to TSG Hoffenheim is a done deal. Full agreement reached with Anderlecht. Transfer fee set at €17 million plus add-ons and a sell-on clause. A long-term contract until 2031 has been agreed for the 17-year-old talent, with a medical soon on the horizon. This exclusive development from last week is expected to become official shortly. Watching De Cat’s progression will be interesting. If Bayern Munich truly wanted him, a deal likely would have been achievable. But this move could indicate that Vincent Kompany is prepared to head into the season with Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandar Pavlović, and Tom Bischof as his midfield trio, with Konrad Laimer and David Santos Daiber as emergency options.
What is clear at this juncture is that Jonathan Asp Jensen is headed to Deportivo de la Coruña in La Liga, though the fee remains a matter of debate. Earlier reports suggested €6 million, but updated information indicates the figure could be as high as €7 million. Jonathan Asp Jensen to Deportivo for a higher fee remains under discussion.