Bayern Munich has secured the signing of Portuguese midfielder Joao Palhinha from Fulham for a reported fee of 49 million euros ($53 million). The 28-year-old, who moved to Fulham from Sporting Lisbon in 2022 for 22 million euros, has agreed to a four-year contract.
Last year, Bayern came close to signing Palhinha, with the player even posing in the club’s kit. However, the deal fell through when Fulham couldn’t find a replacement before the transfer window closed.
Palhinha expressed his delight, calling it “one of the happiest days of my life,” and added, “this is a dream come true for me… I want to enjoy success with Bayern and win titles.”
Sporting director Max Eberl highlighted Bayern’s persistent interest, stating, “He was highly sought after by Bayern even last summer –- and rightly so. It was important that we never lost touch.”
Palhinha has scored twice in 31 international appearances and was part of Portugal’s Euro 2024 campaign, which ended in a quarter-final loss to France.
Meanwhile, Bayern was eliminated by Real Madrid in the semi-finals of the Champions League, and Bayer Leverkusen won the league and cup double under manager Xabi Alonso.
