Bayern Munich set to make fresh move for Joao Palhinha

After clinching the deal for Vincent Kompany, Bayern Munich want to accelerate the transfer business for the summer. The Bavarian club is aiming to conclude the majority of their business before the start of the pre-season to give new arrivals ample time to get used to the club.

Bayern want to strengthen the defensive midfield position. They are going to reignite interest in an old target to address the midfield problems. According to Sky Sports in Germany, Bayern have made Fulham’s Joao Palhinha their top target to strengthen the defensive midfield position.

Die Roten had identified Palhinha as a midfield signing last summer. The move for the Portuguese midfielder fell through on the deadline day. Die Roten didn’t go back for Palhinha in January as they planned to improve the midfield department in the summer.

The Bavarian club has already agreed personal terms with the Portuguese midfielder. He had completed all the formalities of the transfer last summer. Bayern are looking to reach an agreement over transfer fee with Fulham in the coming days. The Bavarian club is ready to pay close to €45 million for Palhinha.

The Portuguese midfielder has been one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League over the last two seasons. He didn’t allow the failed transfer to Bayern to affect his form last season. Palhinha helped Fulham finish 13th in the points table and extend their stay in the Premier League.

Vincent Kompany and Bayern chiefs believe Palhinha is the ideal fit for the number six position in the squad. Die Roten’s defense often didn’t get the necessary protection from the midfield last season. Palhinha is very good at sensing the danger. He is a very good ball-winner through tackles and interceptions. The 28-year-old is also tidy on the ball, which will make him a very good fit for Bayern.

The only downside of this transfer is that Palhinha will be 29 next month. He is not a long-term option for Die Roten in a crucial midfield position. Nevertheless, he will help Bayern become a defensively solid team next season if a move goes through.

Bayern have also agreed personal terms with Jonathan Tah. The German defender has one year left on his contract at Bayer Leverkusen. Meanwhile, PSG’s Xavi Simons is Bayern’s top target in the attack. Simons had a productive loan spell at RB Leipzig last season. It is a difficult deal to complete since PSG wants to keep Simons. As things stand, Tah and Palhinha are more likely to seal transfers to Munich than the Dutch forward.