According to a report from Sky Sport journalists Florian Plettenberg and Patrick Berger (as captured by @iMiaSanMia), Bayern Munich is brutally serious about reigniting its pursuit of Fulham FC defensive midfielder João Palhinha.
Palhinha was a coveted figure by former coach Thomas Tuchel, but it appears that new boss Vincent Kompany also has a strong affinity for the midfielder as well:
João Palhinha is Bayern’s top transfer target for the defensive midfield position this summer. There’s already a verbal agreement in principle between Bayern and Palhinha’s camp. Eberl, Freund and Kompany all want the Portuguese midfielder. FCB and Fulham are already in contact. Bayern are willing to pay €40-45m.
A follow-up report from Sky Sport journalist Kerry Hau and his colleague Plettenberg (via @iMiaSanMia) says that Eberl is pushing to get a deal done:
There’s still no agreement between Bayern and Fulham for João Palhinha, but it is expected to be reached soon. Both clubs are in concrete negotiations. Max Eberl is pushing to get a deal done. A fee of €40-45m is being discussed. Ideally, the player wants to clarify his future before the Euros. Verbal agreement on personal terms is done. Palhinha asked Fulham for permission to join Bayern. He’s expected to sign a 4-5 year deal.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano is reporting that personal terms have been agreed upon between Bayern Munich and Palhinha:
Bayern have reached an agreement on personal terms with João Palhinha!
Contract ready, salary agreed and green light from the player who really wants to make it happen.
Club to club talks to follow around €45m fee, as @Plettigoal @SkySportDe report.
Getting closer.
Should Bayern Munich bring in Palhinha this time around, it could be one of the big shifts in the rumored roster overhaul that could take place this summer.
Looking for more thoughts on Bayern Munich’s transfer strategy for the summer, including which players we would not mind seeing brought in? What about some ideas on whether or not Bayern Munich is set up to play a 4-4-2? Want even more? Well, we also have takes on Joshua Kimmich’s future in Bavaria, the German national team’s potential cut down, and Julian Nagelsmann’s possible mistake with Germany. Sound good? Then we have you covered with our Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Show, which is available on Spotify or below: