Football-Bundesliga - Joao Palhinha's transfer 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 have been made regarding this.
"João Palhinha was already high on Bayern's list last summer – good choice! It was important that the contact never broke off. João wanted to join Bayern, and we need such players. He is an important building block for our future," said Sporting Director Max Eberl. "Above all, at the EM, he showed his strengths on a big stage, and he brings a lot of experience with him because 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."
Bayern were interested in Palhinha last summer. The then Munich trainer Thomas Tuchel wanted a defensively-oriented six for the midfield above all. The acquisition of the 30-time national player, who had switched to England in 2022, failed 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 "Holding Six" that Tuchel had longed for.
"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," declared Palhinha. "I am looking forward to the atmosphere and the fans in the Allianz Arena. I want to celebrate successes and titles with FC Bayern – for that, I will give everything."
- The transfer of João Palhinha from FC Fulham to FC Bayern Munich in the Football-Bundesliga is a significant addition to their squad.
- The signing of Palhinha, a Portuguese national player with extensive experience in the Portuguese and English leagues, is expected to provide further stability to Bayern's midfield.
- Max Eberl, Bayern's Sporting Director, praised the acquisition, stating that Palhinha was high on their list last summer and his experience and performances at the EM and WM were compelling.
- Despite Bayern's interest in Palhinia last summer, the transfer was not possible due to FC Fulham's reluctance to release him without a replacement.
- The acquisition of Palhinha now allows new Bayern trainer Vincent Kompany to fulfill Thomas Tuchel's desire for a defensively-oriented six in the midfield, often referred to as a "Holding Six."
- Heribert Hainer, Bayern's club president, expressed regret for missing out on Palhinia last summer but is excited about his joining FC Bayern in the ongoing Bundesliga season.
- Palhinha expressed his joy at joining FC Bayern, stating that it's a dream come true to play for one of Europe's top clubs and that he will give his all to help the team celebrate successes and titles in Bavaria.
