Joao Palhinha reportedly wants to sign for Bayern and will not entertain offers from elsewhere, with the club also keen.
According to Christian Falk, Joao Palhinha has his heart set on a move to Bayern Munich in January. The midfielder does not want to entertain offers from other clubs, as the Bavarians also intend to return with a fresh bid in the next window.
The Joao Palhinha story will be spoken about for the next few weeks until it returns around the January window. The Portuguese midfielder was inches from sealing a move to the Bundesliga champions, only for Fulham to disallow the deal in the eleventh hour.
Bayern had agreed on a reported €65 million fee with the Cottagers for the midfielder, and the club had permitted him to travel. In Germany, Palhinha had his medicals and even conducted media duties, but the necessary approvals from Fulham never arrived, leading to the Portuguese’ return to England.
Palhinha was one of Bayern’s disappointments, as they failed to sign at least two more players apart from the Fulham star on deadline day. Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah was one of those, with Southampton defender Armel Bella-Kotchap the other.
TRUE✅ João Palhinha told FC Bayern that he wants to go to Bayern this Winter – and only to Bayern. His Management/Family agreed. Bayern warnt to make this wish come true
— Christian Falk (@cfbayern) September 7, 2023
Fulham’s reason for refusal was their inability to find a suitable replacement for Palhinha. There were a few links to some notable names, but barely any time left in the window. According to journalist Christian Falk, Palhinha reportedly wants to move to Bayern in January and will not speak to other clubs.
After the deadline day fiasco, leaving Fulham will be at the forefront of Palhinha’s ideas. Having come so close to joining Bayern, the Bundesliga side also ponders another approach in January. They would like a similar agreement but may have to submit a new offer.
Palhinha’s insistence on joining Bayern will have come from recent media reports that Manchester United also held an interest. As per Fabrizio Romano, the Red Devils may not return for the midfielder, thus leaving the field open for the Bavarians to move.
A move to Bayern could become one of the early moves in January unless Bayern have a change of heart between now and the winter window. A move to Germany will come as an upgrade for the 28-year-old, who has only spent a solitary season in England with Fulham.
