Bayern Munich’s João Palhinha is set to seal a move to Tottenham Hotspur this summer.
Two days ago, Bild reported the midfielder underwent a medical in Munich ahead of his loan move to Spurs. They are also expected to cover his full salary during his temporary stay, which includes a purchase option.
On Saturday, Sport Bild stated Tottenham will be paying Palhinha €8m per year in wages instead of €16.5m reported elsewhere.
The Bundesliga winners had left out the 30-year-old from the squad for their friendly tie against Lyon yesterday. Sky Deutschland caught up with Bayern Munich sporting director Christoph Freund to discuss the Portugal international’s absence.
According to the German champions’ official, the former Fulham man was released ahead of his impending exit. He hasn’t categorically mentioned the Europa League winners, but Sky do point them out and insists the move to the north London club can be closed soon.
“He’s released. If everything goes smoothly, it won’t take much longer,” he said.
Although earlier claims mentioned Palhinha completing the medical tests with Thomas Frank’s side, the director now hints that’s currently pending.
“There are medical checks and contract issues that still need to be resolved. If nothing comes up, it should be finalised soon,” Freund explained.
Tottenham will pay €5-6m including bonuses as loan fee to Bayern Munich and the buying option is set at €25m.
Bruno Guimaraes gets in wild fight as Newcastle United’s Son Heung-min gesture speaks volumes
The Magpies signed off their Far East tour on an action packed night in South Korea
Newcastle United stopped the rot in pre-season by ending a run of defeats with a convincing 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur.
The Magpies effectively played the role of party poopers by denting Son Heung-min’s chances of ending his Spurs campaign without a win or a goal. And while there was respect with a guard of honour as Son left the field, Newcastle showed the fighting spirit and gamesmanship that has got them into the Champions League in recent times.
Indeed, Bruno Guimaraes grabbed Cristian Romero around the neck during this feisty clash while Joelinton barnstormed his way in to cool things down. This felt like much more of an Eddie Howe type performance on what was also an emotional night as a nation said farewell to Son in a Spurs shirt.
In truth, the main attraction for local fans was understandably Son Heung-min with the South Korea soccer God sending Seoul into meltdown this week. Fans were encamped outside the Tottenham hotel and at the Seoul World Cup Stadium five hours early to catch a glimpse of the star in his last game.
With two minutes gone, Nick Pope did not get the contact he wanted on routine clearance and conceded a corner. From Mathys Tel’s corner Jacob Murphy failed to clear with Pape Matar Sarr’s effort saved by Pope.
But Newcastle did not fully get over the attack with Brennan Johnson slipped in and Lewis Miley failing to react quickly. Johnson struck the shot from 20-yards out with Dan Burn unable to block and Pope beaten with a low shot.
It was little wonder that Kieran Trippier fumed with his defenders and jumped up and down in anger as Newcastle started in sleepy manner. Newcastle created a chance to level it up on 15 minutes when Anthony Gordon cut it back for Joelinton but it the Brazilian’s air shot did not trouble Antonin KInsky.
Gordon was in the thick of it again two minutes later as he struck a shot that was deflected wide to earn Newcastle a corner. Tel cashed in on a horror moment from Matt Targett who lost out down the left-hand side when trying to win a free-kick from the Spurs man.
