Bayern Munich accomplished the signing of Portugal midfielder Joao Palhinha from Fulham for a reported payment of 49 million euros ($53 million) on Thursday, concluding a pursuit that just about materialized final 12 months.
Palhinha, 28, joined Fulham from Sporting Lisbon in 2022 for 22 million euros and has signed a four-year contract after spending two seasons with the London membership.
In 2023, Bayern had been on the verge of securing Palhinha’s switch, with the defensive midfielder even pictured within the membership’s package. However, the deal collapsed simply earlier than the switch window closed when Fulham did not discover a appropriate alternative.
In a press release, Palhinha mentioned, “This is one of the happiest days of my life,” including, “This is a dream come true for me … I want to enjoy success with Bayern and win titles.”
Sporting director Max Eberl mentioned the participant 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 worldwide appearances, participated in Portugal’s Euro 2024 marketing campaign, which ended with a quarterfinal loss to France.
His signing marks Bayern’s third main acquisition of the summer season because the membership continues to rebuild after a season with out a trophy for the primary time since 2012.
Forward Michael Olise and center-back Hiroki Ito have already joined the membership, together with supervisor Vincent Kompany, who was appointed coach on the finish of final season.
Kompany’s job is to return Bayern to the highest of German soccer after their streak of 11 straight Bundesliga titles was damaged final season.
Bayern had been eradicated within the Champions League semifinals by eventual winners Real Madrid, whereas Bayer Leverkusen received the league and cup double underneath supervisor Xabi Alonso.
Kompany will face added stress because the Champions League ultimate is about to be held at Bayern’s Allianz Arena subsequent season.
Source: www.dailysabah.com