As the transfer window heats up, EURO 2024 is also in full swing, and the Portuguese national team has already made it to the quarter-finals of UEFA’s top competition.
Among the standout names in the squad is João Palhinha, the 28-year-old midfielder from Fulham. While he excels on the pitch in Germany, the Portugal player has another issue to resolve: his future.
During the summer of 2023, Palhinha was on the brink of joining Bayern Munich, but the transfer deadline expired, and the deal fell through. Following this, João extended his contract with Fulham in September, binding him to the London club until the summer of 2028.
Despite this, the Bavarian giants seem eager to reignite their interest in the Portuguese star. According to reports, Munich’s offer is still far from what Fulham demands.
According to HITC, Fulham remains resolute in their valuation of João Palhinha amidst continued interest from Bayern Munich. Under new manager Vincent Kompany, who managed Burnley last season, the Bavarian giants are understood to still be keen on Palhinha, and HITC reports that the feeling is mutual.
The Portuguese midfielder has made it clear to Fulham’s hierarchy that a move to Bavaria is what he wants this summer. However, Fulham are steadfast in their valuation and are determined not to drop below £50 million (around €59 million) for their star midfielder.
Fulham standing firm
Bayern has already made three bids for Palhinha, with the latest being around £40 million (€47.2 million), still short of Fulham’s valuation. Palhinha has been a crucial player for Marco Silva’s side for multiple seasons. Last season, he featured in 33 Premier League games, scoring 4 goals and providing 1 assist.
Following Portugal’s win over Slovenia on penalties, thanks to a magnificent performance from FC Porto’s Diogo Costa, Palhinha was awarded a 7/10 by outlet A Bola, describing his performance as "effective and simple." Despite the ongoing transfer saga, Palhinha continues to shine for his national team, showcasing his talent on one of the biggest stages in football.
One question that intrigues Fulham fans is why Palhinha renewed his contract until 2028 if his plan was to play one more season with Fulham and then leave. Ultimately, the London club is within its rights to hold onto their player unless their transfer price demands are met.
As things stand, the future of João Palhinha remains uncertain.