Update on Joao Palhinha’s future at Fulham
In the summer, the midfielder came very, very close to signing for Bayern Munich.
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has finally updated Fulham on the whereabouts of midfielder Joao Palhinha.
Joao Palhinha, does he wish to quit Fulham?
Palhinha was scheduled to sign a £60 million transfer with Bayern Munich at the end of the summer transfer season, but Fulham were unable to find a replacement in time for the deadline, causing the deal to fall through.
We all have dreams of playing in the Champions League and for the top clubs in the world, and the midfielder has admitted that his disappointment over the deal falling through.
“People need to see and comprehend that, too, but I also want to express that I have their complete respect and am incredibly grateful to be here.
“The move didn’t go through, so I’m back to just concentrating on Fulham. I’ll concentrate on my work and give it my all, just like I have in the past.
The 28-year-old has since signed a new deal that spans until 2028 and includes an option for an additional year.
The fact that the Portugal international signed a new contract implies that he is content at Craven Cottage, but Bayern remain unmoved, and Romano has now suggested that the Bundesliga club may launch a new push in the upcoming transfer window.
Joao Palhinha – Fulham are stronger in their position after contract extension, but the new deal was also done to provide Joao a greater wage until 2024, the transfer expert noted, as quoted by CaughtOffside.
“Then, depending on bids and other factors, we’ll see if it’s in January or June. Bayern is still interested in the deal after coming close to closing it in the summer, but they are definitely not working on it just yet.
What did Fulham spend to acquire Joao Palhinha?
The former Sporting Lisbon player was acquired by the Cottagers for just £20 million back in the summer of 2022, and they were poised to make a tidy profit by offloading him to Bayern Munich for £60 million the following summer. However, fans will definitely be pleased he stayed.
After an outstanding season in which he made 47 more tackles than any other player in the Premier League, the center midfielder was chosen as Fulham’s Player of the Season for 2022–23 by more than half of Whites supporters.
Palhinha, who was praised as “superb” by The Athletic reporter Peter Rutzler, had a very promising first season at Craven Cottage. Marco Silva will now be hoping that he can continue this season after signing a new long-term contract.
However, Fulham will be in a stronger negotiation position than they were in the summer, indicating they might hold out for a higher price if Bayern does make another offer in the January transfer window.
