Bayern Munich plot Joao Palhinha move in winter transfer window

Joao Palhinha was Bayern’s priority target in the later stages of the transfer window

The European football transfer window closed on 1st September. The deadline day saw many last-moment transfers going through which could end up defining the season. Some of these included Sofyan Amrabat to Manchester United, Brennan Johnson to Tottenham Hotspur, and Ryan Gravenberch to Liverpool.

However, one high-profile transfer which was almost certain to go through was Joao Palhinha’s move from Fulham to Bundesliga champions Bayern München.

The Portuguese defensive midfielder was supposed to be the definitive answer for Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel’s insistence that the German champions secure a defensive midfielder (no.6), as he saw Joshua Kimmich more as a no. 8 than his previous position at no. 6. His insistence for a no. 6 over a striker was the cause for many sparks flying between him and the Bayern board.

Joao Palhinha was keen to move to the Bundesliga champions, personal terms were agreed in a jiffy, and the two clubs had agreed on a transfer fee of €65m. He had already completed his medicals for Bayern and all that remained was taking a flight to Munich and signing the contract at the Allianz arena.

However, when all looked set, Fulham pulled the plug on the deal at the last moment as they were unable to find a replacement for Palhinha. And with the English side’s insistence about not letting him go without a replacement, what was supposed to be a defining deadline day deal for Thomas Tuchel’s side was dead in its tracks.

However, Joao Palhinha’s transfer saga to Bayern Munich looks set for a revival as The Bavarians are set to relaunch their interest in him in the winter transfer window in January. Palhinha is keen on the move and has informed Fulham that he will be “leaving at all costs” come the January transfer window.

Tuchel’s interest in the midfielder is reportedly burning bright, and with Bayern offloading Ryan Gravenberch just hours before Joao Palhinha’s move collapsed on deadline day, the move makes tactical sense for Bayern. What remains to be seen is whether Fulham will stick to the original transfer fee, or will Palhinha’s form up until January dictates any changes to the financial terms of the deal.