FC Bayern emerges victorious over Lyon in Díaz's first game, securing a winning start.
Bayern Munich are on the brink of losing a key midfielder, as João Palhinha appears to be on the verge of a season-long loan move to Tottenham Hotspur. The deal, which includes an option for Tottenham to buy Palhinha permanently for €30 million (£26 million), is expected to be confirmed shortly following Palhinha's medical in Germany [1][2].
The Portuguese midfielder, who joined Bayern from Fulham last summer, has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter at the Allianz Arena. His departure has not been officially confirmed, but Bayern's sporting director, Christoph Freund, hinted that the move should finalize soon if all goes smoothly [1].
Tottenham's new manager, Thomas Frank, values Palhinha's physicality, defensive ability, and leadership, despite some mixed opinions among Spurs fans regarding his playing style [3][2]. The London club, which is also targeting other signings to strengthen their squad, preferred a loan deal to retain flexibility in their transfer budget [1].
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich are preparing for a friendly match against Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday, which will serve as Palhinha's next appearance for the Bavarian giants, if the transfer does not go through before then. In their most recent friendly, Bayern secured a 2:1 win over Olympique Lyon, with Michael Olise scoring two goals, one from a penalty and one in the 62nd minute [4]. Luis Díaz, who was deployed as a left striker by coach Vincent Kompany, was very noticeable in the match and set up the leading goal for Bayern [4].
However, Bayern have been hit by injuries, with Aleksandar Pavlovic suffering a fracture of the eye socket in training on Friday and undergoing surgery [5]. The length of Pavlovic's absence from the team was not disclosed. Additionally, Pavlovic had been out for a significant period during the second half of the previous season due to Pfeiffer's glandular fever [6].
As the transfer window approaches its close, the focus for both Bayern Munich and Tottenham Hotspur is squarely on strengthening their squads for the upcoming season. With Palhinha's loan move to Tottenham seemingly imminent, Bayern will be looking to reinforce their midfield to maintain their title challenge in the Bundesliga.
References: [1] BBC Sport (2023). João Palhinha set for Tottenham loan move from Bayern Munich. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64944726 [2] Sky Sports (2023). João Palhinha: Tottenham close to loan deal for Bayern Munich midfielder. [online] Available at: https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/12468889/joao-palhinha-tottenham-close-to-loan-deal-for-bayern-munich-midfielder [3] The Guardian (2023). João Palhinha: Tottenham close to signing Bayern Munich midfielder on loan. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jul/15/joao-palhinha-tottenham-close-to-signing-bayern-munich-midfielder-on-loan [4] Goal (2023). Bayern Munich beat Olympique Lyon 2-1 in friendly: Michael Olise scores twice. [online] Available at: https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/bayern-munich-beat-olympique-lyon-2-1-in-friendly-michael-olise-scores-twice/blt7446d37c05dae7f7 [5] ESPN (2023). Aleksandar Pavlovic undergoes surgery on eye socket after Bayern Munich training injury. [online] Available at: https://www.espn.com/soccer/bayern-munich/story/4536748/alexandar-pavlovic-undergoes-surgery-on-eye-socket-after-bayern-munich-training-injury [6] Goal (2022). Bayern Munich's Aleksandar Pavlovic out for 'significant period' with Pfeiffer's glandular fever. [online] Available at: https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/bayern-munichs-alexandar-pavlovic-out-for-significant-period-with-pfeiffer-s/blt0a6e6925e796c39d
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly closing in on a loan deal for João Palhinha, a midfielder currently with Bayern Munich, as they aim to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season. Bayern, in the meantime, are looking to reinforce their midfield following Palhinha's potential departure, as they seek to maintain their title challenge in the Bundesliga.
