Bayern Munich will not pursue Joao Palhinha again, clearing the way for Barcelona to sign the Portuguese midfielder from Fulham.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Joao Palhinha is no longer the subject of interest from Bayern Munich. The Bundesliga champions have ruled out a move for the Fulham midfielder. Meanwhile, the Portuguese international is also a target for reigning La Liga champions Barcelona.
Joao Palhinha and his Story at Fulham
Joao Palhinha has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League since joining Fulham from Sporting CP. The 28-year-old has come leaps and bounds in the last 18 months, with his market value nearly tripling from €21 million to €60 million.
The Portuguese international has turned out 62 times thus far for Fulham, chipping in with six goals and one assist. He has also grown in stature on the international stage, making 24 appearances for the Seleccao. Meanwhile, Palhinha’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs.
A Man in Demand
Bayern Munich wanted to sign Joao Palhinha from Fulham in the summer transfer window. But a deadline-day move failed to materialise, as the Premier League club could not sign a replacement. Widespread reports claimed that the Bundesliga champions would return to secure his services in 2024.
But Christoph Freund has revealed that Bayern Munich will not pursue the 28-year-old again. The update has come as a boost for Barcelona, Palhinha’s dream club. The reigning La Liga champions are interested in signing him as they scour the market for a long-term successor to Sergio Busquets.
Oriol Romeu joined Barcelona from Girona in the summer transfer window. But the veteran Spaniard is only a short-term solution and is not a regular in Xavi Hernandez’s midfield setup. So, it behoves the reigning La Liga champions to scour the market for a holding midfielder, with Joao Palhinha emerging as a viable target.
But Fulham will demand close to the €60 million that is his market value to part ways with the Portuguese international. That leaves Barcelona in a spot of bother due to the never-ending financial issues. It will be interesting to see if the Blaugrana can secure Palhinha’s services this year.
