FC Bayern may be nearing an agreement with a prominent Portuguese soccer player.
During the summer of 2023, FC Bayern's attempt to sign João Palhinha fell through at the very last moment, leaving the club disappointed. Now, Munich is trying to secure the services of the Portuguese player once more, and it seems they are almost there. Meanwhile, former Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel is inching closer to landing a new coaching job.
Recent reports from Sky indicate that FC Bayern and Palhinha's current club, FC Fulham, are in advanced stages of negotiations. There is speculation that a deal could be finalized before the start of the European Championship. However, no formal announcements have been made on this subject.
Other media outlets like "Kicker" and "Abendzeitung" also suggest a looming agreement. It is believed that both Thomas Tuchel and Vincent Kompany, FC Bayern's new coach, have already discussed this potential move. "A Bola," a Portuguese sports newspaper, claims that an agreement with Palhinha has been reached, but Bayern is yet to come to terms with Fulham. The London side is said to be reluctant to sell their star player.
Palhinha has a contract running till June 2028 with Fulham in the Premier League. Sky reports that his transfer fee could amount to up to 45 million euros, and Bayern is prepared to offer him a long-term contract after his arrival.
Tuchel a Potential Manager at Manchester United?
The previous year, Palhinha was a top priority for Thomas Tuchel. Just before the end of the transfer window, it seemed that the move would be completed, with the player already in Munich undergoing a medical examination. However, Fulham suddenly decided to pull out, and Tuchel was left without the holding midfielder he had planned for his team's playing style.
It is rumored that Tuchel is still in the running for the manager's position at Manchester United. As per "Bild," Tuchel met with Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a co-owner of the legendary English club, last Tuesday in Monaco. Ratcliffe is said to have listened intently to Tuchel's ideas for the future direction of Manchester United, with an eye towards a potential partnership for the upcoming season.
United's current coach, Erik ten Hag, managed to secure an eighth-place finish in the Premier League despite facing severe criticism. He did, however, lead the team to win the FA Cup in the final against Manchester City, which might have improved his chances of staying at Old Trafford. "Bild" also reports that Tuchel has presented his plans to incorporate Jadon Sancho back into the team. Sancho, who moved from Borussia Dortmund to Manchester for 85 million euros in 2021, was dropped from the squad by ten Hag.
However, it's essential to note that Manchester United has not officially confirmed Tuchel's meeting with Ratcliffe or any discussions regarding a potential managerial appointment. Currently, Ten Hag remains in charge.
