Bayern Munich Secures Palhinha for €49M
Bayern Munich has officially signed Portugal midfielder Joao Palhinha from Fulham for a reported fee of €49 million ($53 million). The 28-year-old midfielder has signed a four-year contract with the German giants.
Fulham Transfer History and Previous Attempt
Palhinha joined Fulham from Sporting Lisbon in 2022 for €22 million and spent two successful years at the English club. Bayern had previously attempted to sign Palhinha in 2023, with the player even posing in the club’s strip. However, the deal fell through at the last minute when Fulham couldn’t secure a replacement.
Palhinha’s Statement and Bayern’s Interest
In a statement, Palhinha expressed his joy, saying, “This is one of the happiest days of my life. Joining Bayern is a dream come true, and I look forward to achieving success and winning titles with the club.”
Bayern’s sporting director Max Eberl highlighted the club’s long-standing interest in Palhinha, stating, “He was highly sought after by Bayern even last summer, and rightly so. It was important that we never lost touch.”
International Achievements
Palhinha, who has scored twice in 31 international appearances, recently participated in Portugal’s Euro 2024 campaign, which ended in the quarter-finals against France.
Bayern’s Summer Rebuild
Palhinha’s arrival marks Bayern’s third major signing of the summer, following the acquisitions of forward Michael Olise and center-back Hiroki Ito. Additionally, Vincent Kompany was appointed as the club’s new manager at the end of last season.
Kompany’s Challenge Ahead
Kompany faces the challenge of restoring Bayern’s dominance in German football after their streak of 11 consecutive Bundesliga titles was broken last season. Bayern were eliminated in the semi-finals of the Champions League by eventual winners Real Madrid, while Bayer Leverkusen clinched the league and cup double under manager Xabi Alonso.