Barcelona and Manchester United will reportedly compete with Bayern Munich for Joao Palhinha, with Fulham demanding £60 million to sell him.
According to Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol, Joao Palhinha is the subject of interest from Bayern Munich. The Bavarian giants have offered £30 million to sign the Fulham midfielder, but the Cottagers want £60 million to sell him. Meanwhile, Barcelona and Manchester United are also keen on signing the Portuguese international from the Premier League club in the summer transfer window.
Joao Palhinha and his nourishing journey at Fulham
Joao Palhinha has established himself as one of the best holding midfielders in the Premier League since joining Fulham from Sporting CP in July 2022. In addition, the 28-year-old has grown in stature on the international stage, turning out 27 times for Portugal in the last three years.
Palhinha has made 79 appearances thus far for Fulham, chipping in with eight goals and one assist. However, the Portuguese international will likely leave the West London club in the summer transfer window, with Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and Manchester United vying for his signature. Meanwhile, the Cottagers are ready to sell the player for the right price, which they deem to be £60 million.
Set to be on the move this summer?
Bayern Munich came close to securing Joao Palhinha’s services last summer before a move failed to materialise. The continued interest stems from the uncertainties surrounding the long-term future of Leon Goretzka. And Bayern Munich offered £30 million to sign the former Sporting CP midfielder. However, Fulham will demand double that sum.
Meanwhile, Barcelona’s interest in Joao Palhinha is understandable. The Catalan giants are eager to sign a holding midfielder this summer after Sergio Busquets’s departure created a gaping hole in the midfield unit. So, the Fulham midfielder has emerged as a viable target for Barcelona.
As for Manchester United, they might part ways with Casemiro in the summer transfer window. So, Palhinha is an option worth considering to replace the Brazilian international. However, widespread reports have claimed that the Portuguese international already has an agreement on personal terms with Bayern Munich.
So, Barcelona and Manchester United have an uphill task to turn Joao Palhinha’s head and convince him to snub Bayern Munich. However, coughing up £60 million might be a tall order for the Blaugrana. It will be interesting to see where the 28-year-old Fulham midfielder lands in the summer transfer window.
