Joao Palhinha from FC Fulham has quickly risen to become the new preferred candidate for defensive midfield at FC Bayern. But when it comes to the question of how high the transfer fee should be, the two clubs are clearly still far apart.
According to “Sky”, Joao Palhinha is Bayern head coach Thomas Tuchel’s new dream player, who has still not given up his plan to sign a defensive six.
The 28-year-old Portuguese is one of the best ball conquerors in the Premier League. In his first season on the island, the 21-time national player was one of Fulham’s top performers right away. The Lisbon native played 40 competitive games, in which he also scored four goals. Even in the still young 2023/24 season, he was already on the list of goalscorers.
FC Bayern and FC Fulham are still far apart
Whether a transfer to FC Bayern can still be realized so shortly before Deadline Day on Friday is probably mainly due to the two clubs, who have to agree on the amount of the transfer fee. “Sport1” recently reported that the player had already submitted his change request to the Fulham bosses.
According to “Bild”, FC Bayern is quite willing to dig deep into their pockets for the desired six. There is talk of a transfer fee of 60 million euros plus bonus payments, which could move from Munich to London. By way of comparison, Fulham only signed Palhinha from Sporting CP last summer for just 20 million euros.
Apparently, the English demand even more. Fulham are planning a transfer fee of at least 80 million euros. “Sky” even spoke of 90 million euros on Wednesday evening.
On the one hand, the sale of defender Benjamin Pavard to Inter Milan, for which 30 million euros were negotiated as a fixed amount, should have given new financial leeway. Should Ryan Gravenberch switch to Liverpool before the end of the transfer period, another 35 million euros could go to Bayern. Money that apparently should be put into signing a six, and not a direct Pavard replacement.