The midfielder joined Spurs on loan from Bayern with an option to make the move permanent for around €30 million at the end of the season.
At the time, the deal was seen as a straightforward pathway to a long-term stay in north London. But that scenario now looks increasingly unlikely.
Palhinha has struggled to hit his expected level, while Tottenham's campaign has deteriorated to the point where they are caught up in a serious relegation battle.
With results and performances under scrutiny, there is little appetite at the club to commit to a significant outlay.
Sources indicate Spurs are unlikely to activate the option even if they avoid the drop. And relegation would automatically rule out any permanent deal.
A return to Bayern, however, will not resolve the situation.
Sources have told Flashscore that the Bundesliga side are not planning to reintegrate Palhinha into the squad, and head coach Vincent Kompany is not believed to have a role for him going forward.
That leaves the 29-year-old facing a summer in limbo - under contract at Bayern, but without a clear place in the plans… and also without a future at Tottenham.
Even if his form improves in the final weeks of the season, Palhinha is expected to be placed on the transfer market - with Bayern likely to seek a permanent exit rather than another loan.
There is likely to be interest - and we understand his former club Fulham may even show interest in taking him back to London.
For now, the midfielder remains focused on Spurs' survival fight, with no clarity over what comes next.
