Bayern Munich will return for Joao Palhinha in January, as Thomas Tuchel faces a shortage of midfielders for the entire season.
According to Fichajes, Bayern Munich will return to sign Joao Palhinha in January after their failed move for the 28-year-old midfielder on deadline day. Thomas Tuchel faces an acute shortage of midfield depth and will want the club to strengthen the area in the winter market.
Things did not go Bayern Munich’s way during the transfer window for large periods, but more so on deadline day. The Bavarians had planned a few things regarding incoming transfers but failed to find a solution anywhere for their preferred targets.
For starters, Liverpool agreed a move for Ryan Gravenberch earlier on deadline day, as the Dutchman had already travelled to Merseyside. They then targeted Joao Palhinha as a replacement, and the profile of player Thomas Tuchel wanted.
Despite Fulham’s initial reservations about selling the 28-year-old key midfielder, they reluctantly accepted a bid from Bayern, which reports suggested was worth around €65 million. The Portuguese star travelled to Munich and passed his medicals, followed by media duties.
With Fulham searching for a late replacement, they could not find one despite links to a few names. With that, the Cottagers could not provide the required permissions for Palhinha to conclude his move, and he had to return as a disappointed figure.
Bayern faced a similar fate in their efforts to sign Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah. Whether they will return for the Blues defender remains the question, but they might do that for Palhinha ahead of the January window.
Tuchel, having lost Gravenberch to Liverpool, needs more midfield depth in his side. The manager feels he cannot go about the entire season with his current options. A single midfield injury could disrupt their season as things stand, and hence, the Bavarians will likely return to Fulham for the 28-year-old midfielder.
Bayern will hope to broker a deal for a similar price they had agreed with Fulham on deadline day. Around January, the Cottagers will have plenty of time to find a suitable replacement, as some important options will likely emerge on the market.
Palhinha will have his mind set on a move to Bayern when the January window opens. For now, he will recuperate from failing to move on deadline day, but Marco Silva will expect a swift return for the 28-year-old after the international break.
