FC Bayern München are on the verge of another signing in this transfer window: Joao Palhinha is set to strengthen the central midfield for the record champions.
For several weeks, the name Joao Palhinha, from Fulham FC, has been on FC Bayern’s list for the defensive-minded six-man desired by coach Thomas Tuchel. For a long time, however, it was not clear how the Munich squad would shape up, which players would still leave the club, how much financial room for manoeuvre actually existed. At times, there was talk of a loan deal if a six-man was to be signed.
But now Benjamin Pavard has moved to Inter Milan, so the transfer income amounts to 130.75 million euros, compared to 155 million euros spent in this period. This means: FC Bayern has enough funds to afford this clearer, especially since Ryan Gravenberg’s transfer to Liverpool FC is only a formality. After lengthy negotiations on Wednesday and Thursday, the German record champions and the Premier League club agreed on a transfer of Palhinha, it only needs the approval of the club boss. The transfer fee is said to be around 65 million euros. Coach Silva has already agreed to the deal, which means that Fulham have probably also found a successor.
This gives coach Tuchel the missing piece of the puzzle in his squad – just as Jupp Heynckes once wanted Javi Martinez at all costs. At the same time, this means that FC Bayern is almost completely reorganising under head coach Tuchel, having signed Min-Jae Kim as a centre-back, Harry Kane as a striker and now Palhinha as a six. This also means that the competition in the centre of midfield is intensifying enormously. Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Konrad Laimer and Raphael Guerreiro are fighting for the place next to the newcomer. Laimer and Kimmich can also defend at right back, Guerreiro on the left as back-up for Alphonso Davies.
Palhinha was born in Lisbon, he is 1.90 metres tall, moved from Sporting Lisbon to Fulham FC only before last season, signed a five-year contract there until 2027 and was considered a central pillar.