- Bavaria's "puzzle" Palhinha and the wide-ranging impact
Vincent Kompany has just received at Bayern Munich what predecessor Thomas Tuchel yearned for in vain during his brief tenure in Munich: the ' Holding Six'. The lack of a robust defensive midfielder was a recurring theme during Tuchel's title-less season. It's ironic that now that Tuchel is gone, his desired player, João Palhinha, has finally arrived at the football record champions, one year late. And Kompany can rejoice.
The 29-year-old Palhinha is expected to be the 'missing piece' in Munich's squad for the new season, according to sporting director Max Eberl. "When you pursue a player for so long to bring him to Munich, you can definitely call it a dream transfer," Eberl said upon presenting the 50 million euro professional from Fulham just before the trip to South Korea. The Portuguese Euro participant is a 'great player'.
Palhinha's signing could have significant implications for other great Bayern players like Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Aleksandar Pavlovic, or Konrad Laimer. They could find themselves on the bench more often or even move to other employers.
"We speak very openly with the players"
Eberl is clear: "The competition in midfield will be very high, and each player will have to decide what their next step is." To fight for the spot next to Palhinha or to switch jobs?
When asked about Goretzka, Eberl said, "We speak very openly with the players, but not publicly. When I speak with players or agents, it's our job to do so confidentially." Talks are also ongoing with Kimmich, whose contract expires in the summer of 2025.
It's clear: young star Pavlovic embodies Bayern's future and will continue to develop alongside the robust and strategically gifted Palhinha. The Bayern have just extended Pavlovic's contract until 2029.
Pavlovic, who benefited from the failed Palhinha transfer under Tuchel, will now have to compete with him for a starting spot. Eberl said, "It's not 'João or Aleks'. They can play together."
How Kompany plans to use the midfield remains to be seen. He hasn't yet commented on Kimmich's role, whether he'll play on the right or centrally. The short summer tour to South Korea could provide some initial clues.
Palhinha presented himself as 'proud and happy' to have finally landed in Munich and eager to prove himself. He's hoping to play in the friendly against Tottenham Hotspur in Seoul this Saturday. Like Tuchel, Kompany also wanted him badly, and he's very grateful for that.
For Eberl, Palhinha brings the same qualities that a player like Javi Martínez embodied in Munich in recent years. Martínez arrived as a record transfer in 2012 and contributed to the triple triumph under coach Jupp Heynckes in his first season.
"Bayern always has a type of stabilizer, a two-fighter in this central area. One who stands there, who has control of the game, who relieves the back four with his presence, with his header strength. Joao brings all of this. He has played over 350 games at the highest level. He brings experience, presence, physicality, and is a good footballer," raved Eberl about the desired transfer. In short: Palhinha is one who will change the Munich midfield hierarchy."
The stars Gazing at the night sky, Vincent Kompany might have felt a sense of relief, knowing that the 'missing piece' in Bayern Munich's squad, João Palhinha, is expected to bring stability and control to the midfield, just like how Javi Martínez once did.
Palhinha, who has finally arrived at Bayern, expressed his enthusiasm by saying, "The stars aligned for me to join Bayern Munich, and I'm ready to shine on the pitch."
