FC Bayern Eyeing EM Participant for Second Attempt
The FC Bayern Munich is on the lookout for reinforcements for the upcoming season, with a familiar face now in focus. This could spell trouble for two German national team stars.
The potential transfer of João Palhinha to FC Bayern is reportedly gaining traction once again. The central midfielder, who will be representing the Portuguese national team at the EM in Germany, is the top transfer target for the Bavarians, as per reports from Pay-TV broadcaster Sky.
Palhinha was supposed to make the move to FC Bayern last summer. However, the deal fell through on the final day of the transfer window (read more about it here). The player remained with his current club, FC Fulham, where he later extended his contract until 2028 with an option for an additional year.
Now, it seems that he could be heading to Germany in a second attempt. Reports suggest that Bayern’s sporting director Max Eberl and sporting director Christoph Freund are keen on bringing Palhinha to the club. Despite his long-term contract, Fulham is reportedly open to negotiations. FC Bayern is looking to invest between 40 to 45 million euros in the 28-year-old.
There is said to be a verbal agreement between the German champions and Palhinha’s camp, thanks to the almost finalized deal from last summer. The player appears to still be keen on making the move to Munich.
If the Palhinha transfer does go through, it could have consequences for two German national team players. According to Sky, Leon Goretzka and Joshua Kimmich may be allowed to leave the club if suitable offers come in. The club’s officials have reportedly already made this decision internally.
Goretzka, who was not selected by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann for the EM, and Kimmich are not the only Bayern players on the selling list, as per reports. Players like Matthijs de Ligt, Kingsley Coman, Noussair Mazraoui, and Serge Gnabry, who was also left out of the German national team due to injury, may be allowed to depart with the right offer.
As of now, Bayern has not received any offers for these players. The club is in need of funds, as they have reportedly lined up several transfers, including potentially the one for Palhinha.