Bayern Munich have agreed personal terms with Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha and discussions over the transfer fee are ‘advanced’, while the impending deal has also paved the way for Manchester United to secure a blockbuster move of their own.
Palhinha joined Fulham from Sporting Lisbon in a £20 million trade two summers ago, and he immediately made an impression in the Premier League.
Throughout the 2022–2023 season, the potent Portugal international lead all Premier League players in the tackles statistic. The 28-year-old Palhinha also acquired the useful habit of contributing goals from a distance.
After taking notice, Bayern Munich made an attempt to sign Palhinha a year ago. After swiftly settling personal issues, a €65 million contract with Fulham was agreed upon.
Palhinha made the trip to Munich and even took on some early media responsibilities for the team, but the transfer fell through at the last minute because Fulham could not find a suitable substitute.
Palhinha again proved to be a reliable pillar for Fulham’s midfield last season, showing no signs of weariness from the disastrous transfer.
In fact, for the second consecutive season, the tough midfielder led the league in tackles. Sadly for Fulham, Bayern’s desire remained unwavering, and multiple reports now indicate that a transfer at Bayern’s request is imminent.
Palhinha and Bayern Munich have reached a personal agreement; he will either sign a four- or five-year contract.
It’s unclear how long the player and the club agreed to the deal exactly, but it won’t be long before that little information is made public.
Whatever the situation, Bayern and Fulham are currently debating the transfer fee and are anticipated to agree on a figure between €40 and €45 million.
If all goes according to plan, the transfer might be completed before June 14, when Euro 2024 kicks out. Palhinha will be a key member of Portugal’s team during the competition.
Fulham will suffer yet another major setback with the departure of center-back Tosin Adarabioyo, who left on a free transfer to join Chelsea.
Palhinha transfer good news for Man Utd
After their first season without a trophy in more than ten years, Bayern is about to undergo significant adjustments.
Palhinha is the first of many new players that sporting director Max Eberl and new manager Vincent Kompany plan to bring into the team.
Six players who Bayern has offered for sale have been made available by Sky Germany in an effort to raise money and make space for the makeover.
Manchester United can help with that; among those to be transfer-listed is center-back Matthijs De Ligt, a long-term target of the team.
This summer, the Red Devils are looking to sign one, if not two, new center-halves.
As a free agent, Raphael Varane is departing, but the team is still considering bids for Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof.
The 36-year-old Jonny Evans is in talks to sign a contract extension, but if he did, he would only be considered a reliable backup.
Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton is United’s top choice for the centre of defence. Another player they have a keen interest in is De Ligt, a Dutch international who reportedly gave the go-ahead to join Manchester United.
Why Bayern are selling De Ligt
The 24-year-old’s tenure in Bavaria has recently soured; during the previous season, he was no longer a frequent starter.
Much to everyone’s amazement, Eric Dier, a January addition, managed to keep De Ligt out of the starting eleven most of the second half of the season.
Bayern will approve a transfer if offers in the €60 million range are made, and De Ligt is amenable to change.
Bayern is working harder to get Jonathan Tah of Bayer Leverkusen, who may be the Dutchman’s straight replacement at the centre of defence.
Due to Tah’s arrival and their expenditure on Palhinha, Bayern must make large profits from player sales of their own.
De Ligt – much to Man Utd’s delight – is a prime candidate to depart.
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