Bayern Munich have first bid rejected by Fulham for Joao Palhinha

Bayern Munich have stepped up their efforts to sign new players in the last few days. They have already agreed personal terms with Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah. Bayern also have a deal in place with Joao Palhinha to strengthen the midfield options for next season. The Bavarian club has also approached Fulham to speed up the transfer for the Portuguese midfielder.  

According to The Athletic, Bayern had their first offer worth €35 million rejected by Fulham for Palhinha. The two clubs remain in talks to complete a transfer. In an ideal scenario, Bayern will look to seal the deal before the Euros to avoid distractions for the player while he is on national duty.  

Bayern tried to sign Palhinha last summer when they sold Ryan Gravenberch to Liverpool. Thomas Tuchel consistently insisted that the squad needed a quality defensive midfielder throughout the summer. The Bavarian club had agreed a fee with Fulham for Palhinha on the deadline day only for the transfer to fall through in the eleventh hour.  

Die Roten didn’t revive their interest in Palhinha during the winter transfer window. They were focussing on completing deals for center-back and right-back positions. Moreover, reports in Germany suggested that Palhinha was no longer a transfer target for Bayern. 

The record Bundesliga champions were heavily linked with Real Soceidad’s Martin Zubimendi since the start of the season. They were also keeping a close eye on Amadou Onana’s situation at Everton. However, Vincent Kompany and Bayern chiefs believe Palhinha is the ideal fit to bring more solidity and steel to the midfield department.  

Palhinha has been one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League over the last couple of seasons. He is defensively robust and provides the perfect shield for the back four. The Portuguese midfielder is more than capable on the ball, making him a good fit for Die Roten in the center of the park.  

The only concern regarding the transfer is that Palhinha will turn 29 next month. It is not a long-term signing, but he can certainly help Bayern to compete on all fronts in the next couple of years. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Bayern became defensively rock solid with the addition of Palhinha in the midfield.  

Bayern had reportedly agreed a fee over €60 million with Fulham for Palhinha last summer. As per several German media outlets, Die Roten want Palhinha for €45-50 million this summer. The Bavarian club will look to seal the deal for the Portuguese midfielder by the end of the week.