Bayern Munich in ‘Advanced Negotiations’ With Fulham for Palhinha
By Kavin Kumar
![Joao Palhinha will add more depth to the Bayern Munich midfield. Joao Palhinha will add more depth to the Bayern Munich midfield.](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_4631,h_2604,x_0,y_0/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/GettyImages/mmsport/211/01hzyjya3x4388dyzpq8.jpg)
Bayern Munich are getting closer to striking a deal with Premier League side Fulham for the transfer of defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha. And the German club want to make sure they don't fail in their pursuit like they did the last time.
Palhinha to Soon Shine in the Bundesliga
According to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg Bundesliga club Bayern Munich are advancing in talks with Fulham to sign Palhinha. Both clubs might soon find an agreement to close the deal. The contract length is expected to be four or five years and the English club have decided to sell their prized asset for €40-45 million.
🚨🆕 News João #Palhinha | Advanced negotiations between Bayern and Fulham now! A timely agreement between is expected!
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) June 9, 2024
➡️ Palhinha can sign a four- or five-year contract
➡️ Transfer fee: €40-45m!
Palhinha, he’s the desired defensive midfielder for Kompany. Eberl, now… pic.twitter.com/aivYqYAfaF
The 28-year-old is the no.1 midfield choice for newly appointed manager Vincent Kompany. Bayern are determined to back their manager in this transfer saga. And Palhinha would prefer that the transfer be completed before the Euros begin in Germany so that he can concentrate on international duty during the tournament.
Bayern have been alarmingly light in the midfield this season. One of the major reasons for their subpar performance in the league was a lack of reliable midfield options from the bench. Kimmich, Goretzka, and Laimer are the only senior midfielders in the team at the moment. Hence they have decided to add more strength and experience to the centre of the pitch by bringing Palhinha to the Allianz Arena.
The former Sporting CP star came very close to signing for Bayern in September 2023 only for the move to fall through at the final stage. Despite completing the medicals Die Roten couldn't close the deal after Fulham failed to buy an adequate replacement for Palhinha before the transfer window closed. Had the deal gone through the player would have cost €65 million, but he is now moving to Germany for a much cheaper transfer fee.
Bayern are also said to be interested in Crystal Palace sensation Adam Wharton. But right now they are fully focused on getting a deal done for Palhinha without any hiccups.