Juventus make Surprise move for Portugese midfielder

Straw naturally enriches the soil by nourishing it. In a way, that’s exactly what Juventus could use, as the club has set its sights on its own “bale of straw.”

Portuguese by origin, strong and resilient, and currently somewhere in Bavaria: we’re talking about João Palhinha, the 1995-born midfielder who has returned to Bayern Munich after spending a season on loan at Tottenham.

And if Spurs are enjoying a stellar transfer window, it’s also thanks to him. The reason is simple: he scored the goal that kept them in the Premier League. Otherwise, there would have been no Tonali.

Roberto De Zerbi’s gratitude towards him is immense, even though he couldn’t keep him. Now Juventus are trying, as reported by A Bola. And here comes back one of the most familiar words of every transfer window: opportunity.

A Fresh Chance After a Difficult Bayern Spell

The Portuguese holding midfielder still has two years left on his Bayern contract, but Vincent Kompany will not count on him. In London, Palhinha stood out despite an incredibly difficult season in which Tottenham narrowly avoided relegation.

The Portuguese international was among the team’s brightest performers, but Spurs decided to make a huge investment in Sandro Tonali and therefore did not activate the €30 million purchase option.

As a result, the 31-year-old is back on the market and, according to Portuguese media, AC Milan are also interested, potentially using the connection with Ruben Amorim, who coached him at Sporting CP.

Juventus, however, remain on alert, hoping Bayern Munich will approve another loan deal, which would greatly help the Bianconeri manage their finances.

The arrival of the Portuguese midfielder would allow Luciano Spalletti to fill several gaps in midfield, while also giving the player another opportunity to revive his career after missing out a few years ago on what should have been the most important season of his career—and not entirely through his own fault.

€51 million went into Fulham’s coffers: that’s what Bayern Munich paid in 2024 to sign him. There was enormous pressure from day one, followed by plenty of bad luck.

What was supposed to be the season of his life quickly turned into a nightmare because of a serious muscle injury that kept him out for two months, from November 2024 to January 2025, effectively closing the door to a regular starting spot.

He never fully recovered his momentum and even lost his place in the Portuguese national team. The transfer fee carried significant weight, even though today’s market bubble has somewhat burst.

Bayern, however, have never been known for Premier League-style spending. The amount invested was substantial and ultimately failed to pay off. Then Aleksandar Pavlovic emerged, making Palhinha’s chances of reclaiming a starting role increasingly slim.

Ironically, it was a place he had earned at the beginning of his Bayern journey. At the end of the season, he moved to London, where he rediscovered his form and confirmed his quality.

Juventus Monitoring Loan Formula for Palhinha

His loan spell at Tottenham allowed him to breathe again, at least partially. Spurs endured a disastrous campaign, avoiding relegation only thanks to his decisive goal against Everton.

That strike is still helping the English club build a competitive squad for Roberto De Zerbi, the latest manager to take charge after Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor.

The Italian coach, known for his attacking philosophy, spoke very highly of Palhinha, saying he was “in love” with him and that he “goes crazy when I see players with his passion.” He also stated that he “100% wanted him to stay” because “we need reliable people and footballers like him. I want to see players with the same passion, the same spirit, the same personality.”

The club did not grant his wish, however, as Tonali and Mateus Fernandes arrived for that role. De Zerbi can hardly complain about the reinforcements, but at the same time, his words could send a message to Spalletti, who could make decisive use of Palhinha at Juventus.

Juventus need strength and quality in midfield. Palhinha could provide both: standing at 1.90m tall, technically gifted, and possessing an excellent eye for goal despite playing as a defensive midfielder.

During his season with Tottenham, he registered 10 goal contributions—seven goals and three assists. An impressive tally, with many of those goals proving decisive.

Spalletti could deploy him in a two-man midfield, most likely in place of Manuel Locatelli. He would also be a valuable anchor in a three-man midfield.

Throughout his season in England, he avoided any major injuries and played consistently. The possibility of another loan is highly appreciated at Continassa.

Giovanni Carnevali and the Juventus management remain attentive, especially as communication with Bayern Munich remains active, with Leon Goretzka also on the club’s shortlist.

Perhaps the surprise move could be shifting the focus from the German to the Portuguese midfielder.

According to Tuttosport, citing Portuguese outlet A Bola, Juventus are closely monitoring João Palhinha’s situation as they explore potential midfield reinforcements this summer.

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