Portuguese comes from Fulham
Transfer with a long start: FC Bayern confirm the commitment of Joao Palhinha
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At the second attempt and with a delay of almost a year, FC Bayern have completed the signing of Portuguese international Joao Palhinha. With the words “It’s about time” the German record champions announced the transfer of the 28-year-old on Thursday morning, who comes from English Premier League club FC Fulham and signed a contract in Munich until 2028. The transfer fee was not mentioned. Recently there has been speculation about a sum of around 45 million euros plus possible bonus payments.
Read more after the announcement
Read more after the announcement
Palhinha is the next expensive summer signing for Bayern, who were without a title for the first time in twelve years last season. Michael Olise (60 million euros/Crystal Palace) and Hiroki Ito (23.5 million euros/VfB Stuttgart) previously joined the squad. In light of the proposed change to the squad, it is likely that there will be new, top-class signings to provide new coach Vincent Kompany with a powerful team.
Palhinha’s move to Bayern was almost complete last summer. The Portuguese European Championship participant in Munich was already on the deadline and had completed parts of the medical check. He was considered the absolute dream player by the then coach of Munich, Thomas Tuchel. However, since Fulham did not get enough replacements before the transfer deadline, Palhinha was not released at the end of the pocket and had to stay with the Londoners. Last September he even extended his contract at Fulham until 2028. But this was not a long-term commitment to his new employer.
Read more after the announcement
Read more after the announcement
The defensively-oriented midfielder further increases the personnel scramble at FCB headquarters – unless Bayern part with one of their established forces. Leon Goretzka and Joshua Kimmich are always seen as safe candidates. The latter was recently called up as a right back under Tuchel and also in the national team under national coach Julian Nagelsmann, but played in the center for years. In addition, Kimmich’s contract in Munich expires in the summer of 2025.
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