Bayern Munich has finalized the acquisition of Portugal midfielder Joao Palhinha from Fulham for a reported fee of 49 million euros ($53 million). The deal, completed on Thursday, marks the successful end to Bayern’s pursuit of the player, which began last year.
The 28-year-old Palhinha, who joined Fulham from Sporting Lisbon in 2022 for 22 million euros, has signed a four-year contract with the German giants. Bayern had been close to signing Palhinha in 2023, even to the extent of him posing in the club’s strip. However, the transfer fell through at the last moment when Fulham failed to secure a replacement.
In a statement, Palhinha expressed his delight, calling it “one of the happiest days of my life,” and adding, “this is a dream come true for me… I want to enjoy success with Bayern and win titles.” Sporting director Max Eberl highlighted the significance of the signing, stating that Palhinha was “highly sought after by Bayern even last summer – and rightly so. It was important that we never lost touch.”
Palhinha, who has scored twice in 31 international appearances, participated in Portugal’s Euro 2024 campaign, which concluded with a quarter-final loss to France.
His signing is Bayern’s third major addition of the summer, as the club undergoes a rebuild following a trophy-less season for the first time since 2012. Forward Michael Olise and center-back Hiroki Ito have also joined the club, along with manager Vincent Kompany, who was appointed at the end of last season.
Kompany faces the challenge of returning Bayern to the pinnacle of German football after their streak of 11 consecutive Bundesliga titles was interrupted last season. Bayern was eliminated in the Champions League semi-finals by eventual winners Real Madrid, while Bayer Leverkusen clinched the league and cup double under manager Xabi Alonso.
Adding to the pressure, the Champions League final will be held at Bayern’s Allianz Arena next season, making Kompany’s task of reclaiming European glory even more urgent.