Football has a sense of irony — just ask Joao Palhinha. The Portuguese midfielder, who left Bayern Munich in search of regular football, could make his first appearance for Tottenham Hotspur against the German giants themselves.
Recently signed on loan, Palhinha is expected to feature in Spurs’ final pre-season friendly, which sees them take on his parent club.
The 30-year-old joined Bayern last summer in a €51 million move from Fulham, but struggled to make an impression under Vincent Kompany, managing 25 appearances without a goal or assist.
Now under the guidance of Thomas Frank, who is overseeing Spurs on an interim basis ahead of the new campaign, Palhinha is looking to get back to his best — and his first chance may come in familiar company.
Tottenham will use the clash as a final tune-up before they face Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup on 13 August. For Palhinha, it’s a chance to remind Bayern of what they might be missing.