The midfield department at Bayern Munich looks settled for next season. They are not planning big moves for a midfielder this summer, but there could be a departure in the form of João Palhinha. The Portuguese midfielder has struggled to get game time under Vincent Kompany.
Palhinha can help Bayern raise funds to strengthen other areas of the squad. They have already added a midfielder to the squad by signing Tom Bischof from Hoffenheim on a free transfer, which allows them to part ways with Palhinha.
The 29-year-old midfielder may have the option to return to Portugal this summer. According to CNN in Portugal (via iMiaSanMia), Benfica are interested in signing Palhinha. The Portuguese club has not made an offer, but they are closely monitoring his situation in Munich.
Fulham have also been linked with Palhinha, but Die Roten are yet to receive concrete offers for the midfielder. The Bavarian club is not actively looking to part ways with Palhinha. However, they will not resist if interested clubs make good offers for him.
Palhinha remains keen on staying in Munich
Despite consistent speculation about his future in Bavaria, Palhinha is determined to prove his talent at Bayern. The Portuguese midfielder recently admitted that he is hoping to get more opportunities next season.
CNN in Portugal also reported that a move to Benfica will be difficult since Palhinha is not actively pushing for an exit. The wages and transfer fee will also be a big challenge for the Portuguese club. Bayern are unlikely to entertain any loan offers for Palhinha.
Bayern tried to sign Palhinha in 2023, but the move broke down in the final hour of the deadline day. The Bavarian club went back to Fulham last summer and paid a fee close to €55 million, including bonuses, to sign Palhinha. The former Sporting Lisbon midfielder was expected to provide the steel in midfield that Die Roten have lately lacked in big Champions League games.
However, Vincent Kompany has relied more on Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, and Aleksandar Pavlovic to provide balance in the center of the park. Palhinha couldn’t make the most of the limited opportunities this season. He will hope that after a tough year of adaption in Munich, he can hit the ground running next season.
The Club World Cup will give Palhinha a good opportunity to impress Vincent Kompany and convince Die Roten to keep him for the next season.