Benfica, Sporting CP, and AC Milan all interested in signing João Palhinha from Bayern Munich
João Palhinha is the odd one out in Bayern Munich’s midfield, falling down in the pecking order and spent last year on loan at Tottenham Hotspur and helped the Lilywhites escape relegation. The 31-year-old former Fulham midfielder has been told he’s not part of Bayern’s plans and that the club is actively looking for clubs that will sign him:
Benfica’s interest in João Palhinha is real, and an offer could soon be made to Bayern. The Portuguese club has also contacted the midfielder’s agents, with Palhinha keen on a return to Portugal. Benfica are studying the financial structure of a deal and are preparing a proposal worth around €25m. Alternatively, another formula is also being considered, potentially involving a loan (€10m loan fee) with an obligation to buy (for €15m), depending on Bayern’s willingness to negotiate and the financial conditions. Milan, with new coach Rúben Amorim, are also interested in Palhinha.
– Record Portugal as captured by X account @iMiaSanMia
At the same time, Sky Sports journo Kerry Hau reported that Benfica has only done “exploratory talks” about signing Palhinha. All the same, Bayern wants to sell him:
Benfica are showing interest in João Palhinha. So far, however, there have only been exploratory talks – as with other clubs. No agreement has been reached with the player, and no negotiations have taken place with Bayern Munich. Bayern want to sell Palhinha. Another loan deal is out of the question.
Per transfer journalist Pedro Almeida, Palhinha could be getting close to a deal with Benfica:
🚨🚨 João Palhinha very close to join Benfica from Bayern. #Benfica
It is said that Bayern won’t make new signings if deadwood players aren’t sold beforehand. If the club manages to offload the three remaining players on the sell list (not counting Kim Min-jae and Hiroki Itō, neither of them want to leave), then maybe another signing will follow Ismael Saibari and Nathaniel Brown.
