Bayern Munich’s biggest move of the summer transfer window looks set to occur in central midfield. The futures of every current Bayern midfielder hangs in the balance as Vincent Kompany is set to take over as head coach.
But the future could begin with a look to the past as Bayern revisits the deadline day deal that collapsed in the last hour last year — Fulham defensive midfielder João Palhinha.
The Portuguese international, who is currently starring at the EUROs and will turn 29 in July, signed a contract extension with Fulham that has only made him more difficult for Bayern to obtain. But the Bavarians have reportedly issue an ultimatum to the Premier League club, according to Sky Sport journalist Florian Plettenberg. As captured via @iMiaSanMia:
Bayern are now offering €45-46m including add-ons for João Palhinha. It is the final offer, Bayern won’t improve it anymore. Palhinha still believes the move will go through. All parties are willing to reach an agreement and make it happen [@Plettigoal, @SkySportNews]
Just days ago, Telegraph Football reported that Bayern were far below Fulham’s asking price — again via @iMiaSanMia:
Bayern remain significantly short of Fulham’s valuation of João Palhinha. Bayern are believed to be willing to pay around £40 million (€47m) for Palhinha this summer, but such a price has so far been deemed unacceptable by the Fulham hierarchy. Talks are understood to be continuing.
Bayern may be forced to consider alternatives in the defensive midfield position if they cannot reach a deal with Fulham, and have been showing interest in recent months in Everton’s Amadou Onana.
Will €45m be enough? It is getting very close to a second round of oh, so close between Bayern and Palhinha.
Looking for some thoughts on Germany’s Round of 16 match-up against Denmark? Good, then we have you covered with our Bavarian Podcast Works — Preview Show. Check out our thoughts on how each team looks at this point of the competition, who Julian Nagelsmann might start, and how the match might play out. You can get the podcast on Spotify or below: