Bayern Munich offered only half of what Fulham value key midfielder Joao Palhinha at as the transfer saga rumbles on.
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Palhinha asking price revealedFirst Bayern bid rejected Midfielder almost signed in 2023WHAT HAPPENED?
Fulham's asking price for Palhinha has been reported as £60 million ($76m) by Sky Sports' Kaveh Solhekol. So far, Bayern have only made a bid worth £30m ($38m), still £30m short.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Solhekol added that there is no release clause in Palhinha's contract with Fulham, and therefore no fixed fee for which a club can buy the Portugal international. Rival interest does exist from Barcelona and Manchester United, but the former still has financial limitations and the latter have been unable to decide who will be leading the squad in 2024-25.
DID YOU KNOW?
Palhinha almost joined Bayern last summer when a €65m fee had been agreed between the clubs on transfer deadline day. The player even flew to Germany for a medical but the deal fell apart as it hinged on Fulham successfully being able to secure a replacement, which they couldn't. Two weeks later, Palhinha signed a new long-term contract at Craven Cottage until 2028.
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR BAYERN?
With plenty at stake in 2024-25, Bayern have to decide whether Palhinha is worth spending big money on. Thanks to the four years remaining on the player's contract, Fulham are in a strong position and are under no pressure to sell for less than they want to. Other parts of the squad, such as a back-up for Harry Kane and a potential replacement for heavily rumoured Real Madrid target Alphonso Davies, could also require strengthening. However, they may yet convince Davies to stay.