Bayern Munich: Joao Palhinha remains interested in January transfer
After a disappointing end to the summer, Bayern Munich are expected to strengthen the squad in January. The Bavarian club is currently low on options in midfield and central defense, which has definitely annoyed Thomas Tuchel. In the center of the park, Tuchel has been pushing for the signing of a natural defensive midfielder throughout the summer.
Fulham’s Joao Palhinha was the key target for Die Roten to address the defensive midfield position. The Bavarian club reached an agreement with Fulham on the deadline day. Palhinha travelled to Munich and completed the paperwork, but a final green light from Fulham never arrived since they couldn’t find a replacement for the Portuguese midfielder.
Palhinha went back to London and signed a new deal with Fulham that saw him get a raise in wages. The Portuguese midfielder has been delivering quality performances for Fulham this season. Despite signing a new deal a few weeks ago, Palhinha is hoping to get a big move in January.
According to Sky Sports in Germany, Joao Palhinha is still hoping to seal a move to Bayern when the transfer window opens in January. The Bavarian club still has an interest in the Portuguese midfielder, but a final decision regarding a transfer is yet to be made. Bayern are also reluctant to spend €60-65 million on one player in January. Fulham had agreed a similar fee with Die Roten for Palhinha in January.
Tuchel considers Joshua Kimmich more of an eight than a number six, so he has been trying to convince Die Roten to sign a defensive midfielder. Palhinha was the perfect fit for this role. The Portuguese midfielder is strong defensively, and his passing is fairly decent. He will provide the defensive solidity to the team with his presence in the center of the park.
Palhinha would be a very solid addition to the squad in January. However, Fulham’s demands may scupper the move. Regardless of what Palhinha or Fulham wants, Die Roten needs to be more decisive in January to avoid the chaos that they had on the deadline day in the summer.
Bayern have been lately linked with several young midfielders. They have a concrete interest in Borussia Monchengladbach’s Manu Kone, while interest in several U-20 midfielders has been reported. The Bavarian club definitely needs one or two additions in midfield since there are only three senior central midfielders in the squad.
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Meanwhile, Bayern’s last summer transfer target, Trevoh Chalobah, will be available for transfer in January. Chelsea are ready to listen to offers for Chalobah. Die Roten tried to sign him on a loan deal in the summer, but the move never materialized. The Bavarian club will need a versatile defender in the winter transfer window to fill the void left by Benjamin Pavard.