Bayern Munich has finalized the signing of Portuguese midfielder Joao Palhinha, 29, from Fulham on a four-year contract, the Bundesliga club confirmed on Thursday. Palhinha, who joined Fulham in 2022, amassed 79 appearances across all competitions for the Premier League side and has earned 31 caps for Portugal’s national team.
While specific financial terms were not disclosed, The Athletic reported the transfer fee to be around 51 million euros.
“This is one of the happiest days of my life. I’m now playing for one of the top clubs in Europe,” Palhinha expressed in a statement.
Palhinha had come close to joining Bayern in 2023 but the move fell through on deadline day.
“Joao Palhinha has been a target for Bayern for some time now, and rightly so,” remarked Bayern’s board member for sport, Max Eberl, in an official statement. “Maintaining our interest was crucial, and Joao’s desire to join Bayern was evident. He is a crucial addition as we build for the future.”
Bayern Munich recently appointed Vincent Kompany as coach after their 11-year Bundesliga reign was ended by Bayer Leverkusen. Palhinha marks Bayern’s second major signing of the summer from the Premier League, following winger Michael Olise’s arrival from Crystal Palace.
