Bayern Munich have secured the signing of Portuguese midfielder Joao Palhinha from Fulham on a four-year contract worth £42.3 million, with an additional £4.2 million in add-ons.
The 28-year-old joins the Bundesliga giants a year after a previous deal fell through.
“This is one of the happiest days of my life,” Palhinha expressed on the club’s website. “I’m now playing for one of the top clubs in Europe. It’s a dream come true for me, and I’m very proud of that.”
Palhinha moved to Fulham from Sporting Lisbon in 2022 for approximately £17 million. During his time at Craven Cottage, he won the club’s Player of the Year award in his debut season. Over two seasons, he made 79 appearances and scored eight goals for the London club.
Palhinha is the latest addition to Bayern Munich’s squad following the arrival of Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise. English defender Eric Dier has also joined Bayern permanently after a loan spell from Tottenham last season.
Bayern Munich’s dominance in the Bundesliga was challenged last season when Bayer Leverkusen ended their 11-year reign as champions.
With these new signings and under the leadership of new manager Vincent Kompany, the team is poised to reclaim their position and compete for trophies in the upcoming season.
Palhinha’s arrival at Bayern Munich marks a significant boost for the team’s midfield options, as they look to strengthen their squad and bounce back from last season’s disappointments.
