Fulham’s Joao Palhinha was subject to strong interest in the summer transfer window. In fact, as The Top Flight covered, he was very close to a move to German giants Bayern, having flown to Munich in order to complete a medical. Things fell apart as Fulham failed to find a replacement, with Manchester United’s Scott McTominay someone the Cottagers looked at signing but did not. Manchester United themselves were reportedly admirers of Palhinha near the end of the window but did not pursue a move.
What will be a massive blow to Bayern Munich, who wanted to sign the player in January, is Joao Palhinha has signed a new contract at Fulham.
Surprise... 😉
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) September 14, 2023
João Palhinha and Harrison Reed have extended their Fulham contracts!
Palhinha’s contract is extended a further year, till 2028, with an option for an extra year. Via the club’s website, Joao Palhinha spoke about inking a deal with the London club.
"“I feel happy. A lot of history happened these few weeks for me, you heard a lot of things about my future, but I’m just focused on my work at Fulham. I always have 100 per cent commitment with this Club, I have all the respect for the Club, for the fans. Since the first day, they supported me a lot, and me and my family felt this since the first moment that I arrived here”.“I will give everything that I have. It was always like that, on the field, outside of the field, in our dressing room with my teammates”“I have a lot of respect for everyone here in Fulham and I am ready to start again, to give all my best, and I want to achieve good things.”"
While a new contract for any player does not necessarily rule out a move in the near future, Palhinha has surely been given a much bigger contract, which should make negotiations tougher for any buying club.