---
title: "Joao Palhinha linked with shock Premier League return after Tottenham loan"
canonical: "https://readtottenham.com/2026/08/09/joao-palhinha-linked-with-shock-premier-league-return-after-tottenham-loan/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Vishal Subramanian"
section: "Tottenham News"
published: "2026-08-09T15:48:00Z"
modified: "2026-08-09T15:48:04Z"
---

# Joao Palhinha linked with shock Premier League return after Tottenham loan

**Joao Palhinha played a big part in Tottenham Hotspur avoiding relegation last season.**

Since signing on loan from Bayern Munich, the Portuguese midfielder was always available and played more often than not under Thomas Frank, Igor Tudor and Roberto De Zerbi.

Aside from his ability to break up play in the middle of the park, he also scored a few important goals.

And the best part is he also conducted himself with utmost dignity and class, so it looked like Tottenham would sign him permanently.

That chapter has since been closed, with Palhinha returning to Bavaria and Tottenham signing Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali as his replacements.

And now, in a rather amusing twist, the Portuguese international could be headed to St. James’ Park as their replacement for Tonali.

## Joao Palhinha linked with Newcastle United

The [Daily Mail](https://www.dailymail.com/sport/football/article-16039779/Newcastle-add-former-Tottenham-midfielder-Joao-Palhinha-transfer-shortlist-Marseilles-Pierre-Emile-Hojbjerg-ramps-plus-fitness-update-Tino-Livramento-Lewis-Miley.html?ito=social-twitter_dailymailsport) confirm that the Magpies want to sign Palhinha on a permanent deal after Bayern Munich confirmed that he would be allowed to leave.

Aston Villa are also interested in signing the Portuguese midfielder, who comes with a wealth of experience under his belt.

> Newcastle replacing Sandro Tonali with Joao Palhinha whilst [#THFC](https://x.com/hashtag/THFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) replaced Joao Palhinha with Sandro Tonali. Shows the difference between the two clubs. 🤷‍♂️\
> \
> Jokes aside wherever Palhinha ends up, I really hope he smashes it. Forever a Tottenham hero! 🤍🇵🇹 [https://t.co/ZJoDEk18ms](https://t.co/ZJoDEk18ms) [pic.twitter.com/RY8cBgNaN3](https://t.co/RY8cBgNaN3)
>
> — Hotspur Lane (@HotspurLane) [August 9, 2026](https://x.com/HotspurLane/status/2086446864296030580?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

Towards the back end of last season, De Zerbi confirmed that he’d want to keep Palhinha at Tottenham as he publicly sang his praises.

However, a deal never happened, but the Tottenham faithful will never forget his contributions during what was undoubtedly the darkest season in the club’s history.

And if he ever returns to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as an opposition player, he’ll surely get the ovation he deserves.