Newcastle United are now considering the possibility of signing Joao Palhinha.
Bayern Munich signed the midfielder from Fulham for around £47m in summer 2024 but he made only 17 appearances as his first season was impacted by injuries, as well as a squad boasting a number of other very good midfield options.
Summer 2025 then saw a loan deal to Spurs with an option to buy at the end of the 2025/26 season for £26m. Making 33 appearances across all competitions and scoring five goals, Joao Palhinha eventually ended up helping Tottenham avoid relegation on the very final day of the season.
Spurs didn’t exercise their right to buy Joao Palhinha for £26m and now Bayern Munich happy to sell the former Fulham midfielder.
The Mail report that Newcastle United are in talks to buy Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg from Marseille for around £13m but are considering Joao Palhinha as an alternative.
The report adds that Matthias Jaissle and Newcastle United like both players and see signing one of them as an experienced ideal option to lead am otherwise youthful NUFC midfield in the new season. Both players are now 31 and have similar profiles, having played regularly for their countries and plenty of Premier League experience.
The Mail say that as well as an experienced midfielder, NUFC Sporting director Ross Wilson is prioritising a new full-back. With other signings beyond dependent on what Matthias Jaissle believes is needed.
As for outgoings, the report added that Joe Willock is set to sign for Besiktas if they meet Newcastle’s valuation, with Nick Pope also going to be on his way with Ipswich and Celtic as possible destinations.
A number of players are still recovering from injury and missed Saturday’s win over Valencia. The Mail say Lewis Miley should be available for the Liverpool match in two weeks time but that the game will come too soon for Tino Livramento. They say Tino is currently in the United States doing his rehabilitation from a calf injury but could return on the second weekend of the Premier League season at Tottenham.