Bayern Munich are not planning big changes in the midfield this summer. They have already strengthened the squad by signing Tom Bischof from Hoffenheim on a free transfer. Bischof will be part of the squad for the Club World Cup. Bayern want him to get minutes with the first team next season instead of a loan move.
Apart from Bischof, Bayern have no plans to sign a new midfielder. However, there could be one significant departure to make way for Bischof. Leon Goretzka was expected to be this big departure, but he has won over Vincent Kompany and delivered good performances during the second half of the season.
The German international has no plans to leave Munich this summer and wants to see out the final year of his contract. With Goretzka staying at the club, doubts have been raised over the long-term future of Joao Palhinha in Munich.
Palhinha has not played consistently under Vincent Kompany since arriving from Fulham last summer. The Portuguese midfielder didn’t even get a start in the final league game of the season when the title was sealed.
Despite constant speculation surrounding his future, Palhinha is not giving up on his career in Munich. While talking to Canal official this week, the Portuguese international insisted that he is hopeful about getting more opportunities at Bayern next season.
Bayern will make loss on Palhinha if they sell this summer
It would be too harsh to judge Palhinha at Bayern Munich after just one season. The second season could be potentially much better for him after getting accustomed to the new league and Vincent Kompany’s methods.
Bayern are unlikely to recoup the majority of the fee they paid to Fulham last summer (€55 million) since Palhinha is coming off a disappointing campaign. Despite interest from the Premier League, no club is paying a big fee for him.
With a significant number of games for Bayern over the next 12 months, it would make sense to keep a robust midfielder like Palhinha in the squad. The Bavarian faithful will hope to see the best of Palhinha like the Premier League fans have seen during his stint at Fulham. Palhinha will hope that Kompany gives him minutes to impress in the upcoming Club World Cup. Before the big tournament in the USA, the former Fulham midfielder will look to get in rhythm and gain confidence by playing for Portugal in the UEFA Nations League knockout games.