Sunday, December 22, 2024

Joao Palhinha leaves Fulham for £47m, Arsenal chasing Riccardo Calafiori

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Done deal

Bayern Munich have announced the signing of Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha on a deal until 2028.

The Portugal international, who made 33 appearances in the Premier League last season, saw a deadline-day move to the German giants collapse last summer.

Now he has got the move he wanted for a fee which could rise to £47m – joining Michael Olise as the second big Premier League signing made by new Bayern boss Vincent Kompany.

The Bundesliga giants have also confirmed the defensive midfielder will take the number 16 shirt.

The 29-year-old joined Fulham in 2022 from Sporting Lisbon and established himself as a key player for the club.

Palhinha joins the list of notable departures from Craven Cottage this summer with Tosin Adarabioyo and Bobby De Cordova-Reid having left the club on free transfers and with the future of out-of-contract Willian still up in the air.

Defensive midfielder Palhinha featured at Euro 2024 for Portugal where they were knocked out of the competition in the quarter-finals by France on penalties.

This is a second successive summer where Fulham have received a large fee for a high-profile player, with Aleksandar Mitrovic departing last August to Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal.

Boss Marco Silva still has Tom Cairney and Harrison Reed at his disposal to replace Palhinha but could look to the market for replacements ahead the Cottagers’ season opener against Manchester United at Old Trafford on August 16.

Bayern Munich have announced the signing of Fulham midfielder Joao PalhinhaCredit: GETTY

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