Bayern Munich have finally secured the signing of Joao Palhinha from Fulham, a year after their initial attempt fell through. The 29-year-old Portuguese midfielder has signed a contract until 2029, with Fulham receiving a club-record fee for his services.
Palhinha was a long-term target for Bayern, who tried to sign him last summer but saw the deal collapse on transfer deadline day. He returned to Fulham and signed a new contract, but Bayern reignited their interest ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
Former Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel, who had earmarked Palhinha for a key role, admitted he was 'sad' when the deal fell through. 'I was sad because I knew how much Joao Palhinha wanted to join us and what the player would have given us,' Tuchel said last year.
Palhinha is expected to play a key role under new head coach Vincent Kompany, who replaced Tuchel this summer. Bayern chief Max Eberl said: 'Joao Palhinha was highly sought after by FC Bayern even last summer – and rightly so. It was important that we never lost touch. Joao really wanted to come to Bayern, and we need players like that.'
Palhinha made 79 appearances for Fulham after joining from Sporting Lisbon in 2022. He also impressed for Portugal at Euro 2024, and Eberl believes he will bring 'greater stability in the centre' for Bayern.
