Joao Palhinha has completed his transfer to Bayern Munich, Fulham have confirmed in an official announcement this morning.
The Portuguese midfielder, who almost joined the Germans last summer, moves to Bayern for an initial fee of £42.3m – which could rise to £46.5m – and has signed a four-year contract at the Allianz Area. The 29 year-old told Bayern’s official website:
“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.”
Palhinha made 79 appearances in two seasons at Craven Cottage, scoring eight goals, as a pivotal part of the side that established the Whites back in the top flight. His excellence at the base of Fulham’s engine room, that saw him top the Premier League tackling charts, won him an immediate place in the hearts of the Cottage faithful and Marco Silva will now begin the hard work of having to acquire a replacement.
Fulham vice chairman and director of football, Tony Khan, told the club’s website:
“João Palhinha has been a fantastic player for Fulham since he joined us in July 2022. His formidable presence in the midfield, his aggressiveness and phenomenal skill have made him a fan favourite and a leader on the pitch for Fulham. All of us at the Club are grateful for João’s hard work, the time we shared with him, and the great memories from these past few years working together.
We’ve reached an agreement today that could result in the highest transfer negotiation in Club history, with these resources coming in at an essential time in our summer squad planning for the season ahead and our long-term future. We wish João the very best in his new journey. Come on Fulham!”
Sad to see him leave !!
Tony Khan need to start bringing people in now !!
Irreplaceable…certainly one of the greatest players I can remember in a Fulham shirt.
A bargain if one considers Bayern paid more for Olise…
The first game of the season is close to a month away, against MU…
Looking at the fixture list, if we had a team ready to go from the outset we could be well placed come November.
But, of course, we don’t and Khan’t.
When you ask 60 for something and end up with 42 after a year of wrangling, one might wonder about the skill of the negotiator.
Cheers Joao and thanks for that 100% effort.
At least we will NEVER face you as an opposition player.
So sad to see Joao leave, it’s just a shame it’s not Tonkey leaving then we might get some good players in before Xmas.
we thought you were the greatest thing since sliced bread. Leaving us is happiest day of your life??
Top guy. We’ll miss him. Wishing you every success Joao.
Only 2 seasons with us but a legend nevertheless.
Great player who always gave 100%. Will be very hard to replace. If the grass isn’t greener on the other side he will always have a home here.
Does TK realize we don’t have a team for next season which will soon be upon us. We could be paying the highest price in the Premiership and have no quality to watch.
I thought the plan was to get Joaos replacement first then he can go as was promised to the Fans last season, every season this must do Marcos head in it’s a wonder he’s still here,what’s the situation with Mbabu let’s get rid if he’s not in the managers plans also I hope Jay Stansfield gets a run with the first team this season instead of going on loan what team will we field against that Manchester Mob in our first fixture once again it’s all speculation players going but no one coming in I shall just wait for mediocre loan players on deadline day