Fulham have had a very good summer transfer window. It’s been productive and frugal, exactly what the manager and board would want. However, there’s one factor at play which could easily turn that positive transfer window into a negative one.
One thing the Cottagers have done well to avoid is losing their best player Joao Palhinha. The attacking midfielder has got off to a good start to the season, but there was a time when he looked destined to leave the London side at the start of this window. How Fulham have managed to keep him I’ll never know, but they won’t want to lose him this late on.
Bayern Munich will offer £50m for Fulham’s Joao Palhinha
But with Bayern Munich interested, it looks like a possibility. According to an update from the Telegraph, Bayern Munich are prepared to offer around £50m for Palhinha. This is not close to Fulham’s much higher valuation of £77m, so is likely to be rejected.
FC Bayern are actively working on João Palhinha deal. Negotiations ongoing but Fulham will only approve potential move if they can find top replacement 🚨🔴🇵🇹 #FCBayern
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 31, 2023
Palhinha, keen on joining Bayern. Talks will continue today while Marco Silva still hopes to keep João. pic.twitter.com/ocuIbcucY6
This late in the transfer window with deadline day being tomorrow, it might be too late for Fulham to sign a worthy replacement. Therefore, they’re more inclined to be stubborn about their high valuation.
From Bayern Munich’s perspective, they are desperate to sign a new midfielder. With Ryan Gravenberch likely on his way to Liverpool, they need somebody to come in and replace him in the starting eleven. That replacement was once thought to be Trevoh Chalobah of Chelsea, but there are lingering doubts as to whether or not he’s the right player for Bayern, hence the new interest in Palhinha.
Do you think Bayern Munich will sign Joao Palhinha this summer?