Joao Palhinha’s brother claims Fulham only ‘postponed’ rather than ‘killed’ midfielder’s dream move to Bayern after deadline-day deal fell through
Joao Palhinha’s brother has claimed Bayern Munich transfer was ‘postponed’
Portugal international Palhinha was desperate to complete ‘dream’ transfer
Fulham midfielder travelled to Germany for a medical before deal fell through
Joao Palhinha’s brother has suggested that Fulham have only ‘postponed’ the midfielder’s transfer to Bayern Munich.
The Portuguese international travelled to Germany in the closing stages of the summer transfer window to seal a £55million move to the Bundesliga giants.
However, Fulham were not able to find a suitable replacement before the German window closed at 5pm on Friday and they cancelled the deal.
Palhinha was set to undergo a medical and take part in media duties in Bavaria before being called back to London.
In a post on Instagram, Palhinha’s brother Goncalo said: ‘What about Munich? They didn’t kill the dream they just postponed it.
Joao Palhinha saw a deadline day move to Bayern Munich fall through after Fulham pulled out fo the deal
‘Words of appreciation, recognition and thanks to the entire @fcbayern structure.
‘If we alreaady knew how big the club was, the bigger it is after we left it regardless of what happened.
‘The respect and affection of the people of the Bayern structure who accompanied us, marked us by the difference in respect, honesty and professionalism.’
Palhinha was not involved for Fulham in their 5-1 defeat to Manchester City on Saturday.
Despite his desperation to complete the move to Bayern, he is now set to remain with the Cottagers until January at least.
West Ham were also interested in signing the 28-year-old earlier in the summer, and Marco Silva believes his countryman will need support when he returns after the international break.
‘It was a tough day for him, definitely, probably one of the toughest days of his life,’ said the Fuham boss after the loss at the Etihad.
‘He had the fantastic season last season and he’s always a player that gives 100% for the shirt, but he had a big chance to go to one of the biggest clubs in the world and he was really close.
‘You can imagine the impact that has on a football player when these type of things happen.
Palhinha was absent for Fulham’s 5-1 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday
Fulham boss Marco Silva said it was a ‘tough day’ for his countryman as the Bayern move collapsed
Fulham sold top-scorer from last season, Aleksandar Mitrovic to Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal earlier in the summer
‘He is going to need support from all of us – the coaching staff, our fans and his team-mates.’
Palhinha was one of Fulham’s stand-out performers last season as they recorded an impressive 10th-place finish in the Premier League.
Several of their players were in demand throughout the transfer window, with top-scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic completing a £46million move to Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal.
Midfielder Palhinha has remained in west London for now but his brother’s statement suggests it may only be for the time being.
