Newcastle now stepping up approach to sign “unbelievable” £26m ex-Fulham star

Newcastle United are now stepping up their approach to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha, who is keen on a move to the Premier League.

Hojbjerg was uninterested in moving to St. James’ Park, ultimately opting to remain at Marseille, which means Newcastle have turned their attentions towards another former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder.

Palhinha spent the 2025-26 season on loan at Tottenham, making 33 Premier League appearances, during which time he displayed his attacking qualities by chipping in with five goals and two assists.

However, the 37-cap Portugal international is perhaps best known for his ability to win back possession, winning an extraordinary number of tackles during a two-year stint with Fulham.

Having sent the Portuguese maestro out on loan last season, Bayern Munich are prepared to sanction a departure this summer, with the German side looking to hold out for €30m (£26m), and there has now been a further update on the Magpies’ pursuit.

Newcastle in talks to sign Joao Palhinha

According to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg, Newcastle are now in direct talks to sign Palhinha, and Bayern “want to sell” their midfielder this summer, which suggests a deal could be possible.

A loan deal with an obligation or option to buy is off the table for the German side, who want to cash-in on the 31-year-old this summer, off the back of making just 17 appearances in the Bundesliga during the 2024-25 campaign, which was his first at the Allianz Arena.

Journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed the Magpies are now stepping up their move for the Portuguese midfielder, and they are willing to sign him on a permanent basis. Interestingly, the ex-Tottenham star is said to be prioritising a move to the Premier League.

Despite not managing to make a name for himself in Germany, Palhinha has received major plaudits for some of his displays in the Premier League, with Tottenham podcaster Seb Martin describing him as “unbelievable” for his performance in a 2-1 victory against Aston Villa last season.

However, Newcastle have also set their sights on a Premier League midfielder as a potential alternative to the Bayern Munich man, and they could be set to make an offer imminently.