Football-Bundesliga - Joao Palhinha's switch to FC Bayern is perfect
The transfer of Portuguese national player João Palhinha (29) from FC Fulham to FC Bayern Munich is perfect. According to the German football record champions, the defensive midfielder signed a contract until the summer of 2028. The Munich team reportedly paid FC Fulham a fixed transfer fee of 46 million Euro, which can increase due to bonus payments. No official statements regarding this were made.
"João Palhinha was already high on Bayern's list last summer – great! It was important that the contact never broke off. João wanted nothing more than to join Bayern, and we need such players. He is an important building block for our future," said Sporting Director Max Eberl. "During the EM, he once again showcased his strengths on a grand stage, and he brings a great deal of experience with him, as he has previously played in one EM and one WM, as well as around 300 league matches in the Portuguese and English leagues. He will give us even more stability in the center."
Palhinha was a target for Bayern last summer. The then Munich coach Thomas Tuchel had particularly wanted a defensively-oriented six-man midfielder. The acquisition of the 30-time national player, who had switched to England in 2022, fell through on the last day of the transfer period because the London club would not release him without a replacement.
A "Holding Six" for Kompany
"We regretted that," admitted Bayern's club president Herbert Hainer in retrospect. After that, Palhinha extended his contract with the English first division team until the summer of 2028. The new Bayern trainer Vincent Kompany now gets the midfielder that Tuchel had long desired. Palhinha will wear the number 16 jersey in the future, which was previously worn by Jens Jeremies and Dietmar Hamann.
"This is one of the happiest days of my life. I now play for one of the absolute top clubs in Europe, and for me, this is a dream come true, and I am very proud of it," Palhinha explained. "I am looking forward to the atmosphere and the fans in the Allianz Arena. I want to celebrate successes and win titles with FC Bayern – for that, I will give everything."
- Despite missing out on João Palhinha last summer due to FC Fulham's reluctance, FC Bayern Munich have secured his services for the upcoming seasons, with Palhinha signing until 2028.
- The transfer fee for João Palhinha from FC Fulham to FC Bayern Munich was reportedly 46 million Euro, with potential bonus payments increasing the total cost.
- The acquisition of João Palhinha is seen as a significant boost for Bayern's future, with Sporting Director Max Eberl highlighting his experience and defensive prowess.
- João Palhinha's impressive performances at the EURO showed his potential, making him a highly sought-after addition to any team, including FC Bayern Munich.
- The return of Thomas Tuchel as Bayern's coach has reignited interest in defensive midfielders, with Palhinha being the British-based player whom Tuchel had targeted last summer.
- From now on, João Palhinha will wear the number 16 jersey for FC Bayern Munich, previously worn by Jens Jeremies and Dietmar Hamann.
- Vincent Kompany, the new Bayern trainer, is delighted to have secured the services of Palhinha, a player who he believes will provide valuable stability in the squad's midfield.
- João Palhinha's transfer to Bayern represents a return to European football for the Portuguese international, having played in the English Premier League since 2022.
