Bayern Munich will make significant changes in the summer as they look to strengthen the squad in attack and defense. Along with signing the best talent, Bayern are looking to balance the books by raising funds from departures.
In the midfield department, Bayern have already strengthened the squad for next season by signing Tom Bischof from Hoffenheim. The young German midfielder will arrive in June on a free transfer. Die Roten expect the 19-year-old midfielder to be part of the first-team plans next season.
The arrival of Bischof will push Bayern to part ways with one midfielder. Leon Goretzka looked like the most likely candidate for sale in midfield, but the German international looks set to stay and could also get a contract extension.
With Goretzka likely to stay, the future of João Palhinha has been subject to speculation over the last few weeks. The Portuguese midfielder has yet to establish himself as a first-choice midfield option since arriving from Fulham. Despite the speculation, Palhinha told Bild this weekend that he has no plans to leave Bavaria, and he remains keen on establishing himself at the club.
"I don't care about rumours. I'm still happy at Bayern. Of course, I want things to be different. This season hasn't been easy for me at times. But this isn't the first time in my career. And I'm here because I've done some things very well before. I know what I'm capable of, and I'll fight for playing time. I want to win titles here."João Palhinha
Palhinha may have a different role to play rest of the season
The Portuguese midfielder has struggled to get consistent playing time under Vincent Kompany. The form of other midfielders has also made sure Palhinha had to be patient for his opportunities. The straight red card against VfL Bochum before the international break didn’t help his case, as he was suspended for a few games.
Palhinha came on from the bench against St. Pauli and delivered a tidy performance in the center of the park. He adds more physicality and ball-winning ability to the midfield, which can be very crucial in the upcoming Champions League games against Inter Milan.
However, the former Fulham midfielder may have a different role to play for Die Roten over the next couple of games. Since there are only two fit senior center-backs in the squad, Palhinha may have to play in the heart of the defense for a few games. He anticipates danger quickly, so it wouldn’t be the worst idea to play him in the heart of the defense for a few games.
Palhinha had to wait for a long time to seal a move to Bayern as the transfer fell through at the last minute in 2023. Even if Bayern are open to parting ways with him in the summer, the 29-year-old midfielder is in no rush to give up on his career in Munich.