Bayern sign Portugal star Palhinha for €49M

After coming close to obtaining the Portugal midfielder Joao Palhinha last year, Bayern Munich ultimately signed him on Thursday for a rumoured fee of 49 million euros ($53 million).

The 28-year-old signed a four-year contract after spending two years with Fulham after joining from Sporting Lisbon in 2022 for 22 million euros.

Palhinha, a defensive midfielder, had even posed in the team's uniform as Bayern looked to sign him in 2023. However, the deal fell through moments before the transfer window closed when Fulham was unable to find a substitute.

It was "one of the happiest days of my life," Palhinha said in a statement, adding, "this is a dream come true for me." I want to be successful and win titles with Bayern.

The athlete was "highly sought after by Bayern even last summer –– and rightfully so," according to Sporting Director Max Eberl. It was crucial that we stay in communication.

Palhinha participated in Portugal's Euro 2024 campaign, which ended in a quarterfinal loss to France. Palhinha has scored twice in 31 international games.

His deal marks Bayern's third significant summer addition as the team continues its summer rebuild following its first trophy-less season since 2012.
Hiroki Ito, the centre defender, and Michael Olise, the forward, have already joined the club, alongside manager Vincent Kompany who was appointed coach at the end of last season.
After Bayern's run of 11 consecutive Bundesliga titles was ended last season, Kompany will have the responsibility of putting Bayern back atop the German football hierarchy.

Real Madrid, the eventual Champions League winners, eliminated Bayern in the semi-finals, while Bayer Leverkusen, led by manager Xabi Alonso, won both the league and the cup.

The fact that Bayern Munich's Allianz Arena will host the Champions League final the following season would put further pressure on Kompany.