Joao Palhinha’s journey to Bayern Munich has been a long time coming. The Portuguese midfielder, who joined Fulham in 2022 for a fee of around €20m (£17.2m), has quickly become a fan favorite in the Premier League. Known for his aggressive slide tackles and relentless work ethic, Palhinha has established himself as one of the league’s most impressive defensive midfielders.
In fact, Palhinha has led the league in tackles for two consecutive seasons, with an impressive tally of 152 tackles in the 2023-24 season, up from 148 the previous year. His ability to win the ball back and provide a solid defensive presence in midfield has been crucial to Fulham’s success under manager Marco Silva.
Silva, who played a key role in bringing Palhinha to Fulham, recognized the need for a combative holding player after allowing playmaker Jean-Michael Seri to leave. Palhinha has filled that void perfectly, becoming the heartbeat of the team. The fear of losing him last summer, when Bayern made a late attempt to sign him, was palpable for Fulham. Losing both Palhinha and Aleksandar Mitrovic would have been a devastating blow.
Despite the temptation of joining Bayern, Palhinha remained professional and committed to Fulham. He signed a new contract soon after the failed transfer and continued to perform at a high level. However, this time around, Bayern’s interest was too strong to ignore. Fulham recognized the need to find a suitable replacement and secure a good deal for Palhinha.
The fee received from Bayern for Palhinha’s transfer is expected to surpass the amount they received for Mitrovic last summer, which was €52.6m (£46m). This windfall will provide Fulham with the financial resources to find a suitable replacement and continue their progress in the Premier League.
Finding a replacement for Palhinha will undoubtedly be a challenge for Fulham. While they have coped better in his absence this past season, the need for a solid No. 6 midfielder is evident. One name on their radar is Andre from Fluminense. With more time to prepare this summer, Fulham can carefully consider their options and ensure a seamless transition without Palhinha.
Joao Palhinha’s transfer to Bayern Munich marks the end of an era for Fulham. His impact on the team and the league cannot be understated. As they bid farewell to their beloved midfielder, Fulham must now focus on finding a suitable replacement and continuing their journey in the Premier League.