Bayern Munich announce the signing of Joao Palhinha

By Peter Ochieng

Germany Bundesliga side FC Bayern Munich have signed midfielder Joao Palhinha from English Premier League club Fulham.

The turned 29-year-old Portugal international, joins on a four-year contract valid through to 30 June 2028. Max Eberl, FC Bayern board member for sport, said the defensive midfielder was highly sought after by the former Bundesliga champions.

“Joao Palhinha was highly sought after by FC Bayern even last summer – and rightly so. It was important that we never lost touch. Joao really wanted to come to Bayern, and we need players like that. He’s an important building block for our future.”

He added, “He’s once again demonstrated his strengths on the big stage at the Euros and brings a lot of experience, having previously played at a Euros and World Cup, and making around 300 appearances in the Portuguese and English leagues. He will give us greater stability in the centre.”

Christoph Freund, FC Bayern sporting director said, “We kept at it since last summer and now finally have Joao Palhinha with us. He will be very valuable for FC Bayern. Joao is strong in tackles and very good in the air. He can give a team structure and plays consistent and very mature football. He also has great character and is a real leader.”

Born in Lisbon, Palhinha joined the Sporting Lisbon Academy at the age of 17. The holding midfielder made his senior debut for the club in the 2013/14 season before gaining further top-flight experience on loan at Moreirense, Belenenses and Braga.

While at Sporting, he won the Primeira Liga, two Taças da Liga and the Portuguese Super Cup, having also lifted the league cup with Braga. He said it is a dream come true for him to join the Bavarians, where he will don jersey number 19.

“This is one of the happiest days of my life. I'm now playing for one of the top clubs in Europe. It's a dream come true for me, and I'm very proud of that. I'm looking forward to the atmosphere and the fans at the Allianz Arena. I want to enjoy success with FC Bayern and win titles - I'll give it my all.”

Palhinha joined Fulham in the summer of 2022 and went on to make 79 competitive appearances (eight goals).

The former youth international received his first senior Portugal call-up in March 2021 and was part of the Seleção squads at the delayed Euro 2020, the 2022 World Cup and this summer’s Euro 2024 in Germany, where his team reached the quarter-finals.