FC Bayern faces its next tough test today, Saturday, against RB Leipzig in the Telekom Cup. While Josip Stanisic is out due to illness, it is the absence of João Palhinha in particular that is causing a stir. The Portuguese player is not on the roster—and the Munich club has not yet provided a reason.
With the start of the regular season fast approaching, FC Bayern’s preparations are picking up steam. Vincent Kompany hopes to gain valuable insights from the match against RB Leipzig. However, the Belgian will have to do without several players.
The reason for Josip Stanisic’s absence is known. As the record champions announced, the Croatian is out at short notice due to illness. The case of João Palhinha, on the other hand, is far more intriguing.
The 31-year-old is also not on the roster. Unlike with Stanisic, Bayern did not initially provide any details regarding the reason for his absence. Palhinha had most recently played in all of Bayern’s preseason friendlies.
His absence is fueling transfer speculation
The timing is certainly significant. Palhinha is among the players expected to leave FC Bayern this summer. Max Eberl recently confirmed publicly that a move to Aston Villa will not happen. “We won’t be able to reach an agreement with Aston Villa—it just isn’t going to work,” the sporting director explained on Friday, making it clear just how far apart the two clubs’ expectations are.
While Villa favored a loan deal, Bayern wants to sell the midfielder outright. The German record champions are reportedly asking for around 20 to 25 million euros for Palhinha.
Now, a new door could be opening in the Premier League. According to information from transfer journalist Diego Picó, Newcastle United is actively pursuing the Portuguese player. Reportedly, the Magpies have even already offered Palhinha a three-year contract.
Following Bruno Guimarães’ departure to Arsenal, Newcastle is looking to strengthen its defensive midfield. Palhinha could represent a significantly more affordable alternative to Dortmund’s Felix Nmecha.
The Bayern Munich player’s Premier League experience is another point in his favor. Before his move to Munich, he impressed at Fulham. He also recently gained regular playing time in England again during his loan spell at Tottenham Hotspur.
In addition to Newcastle, Benfica Lisbon is still hopeful of signing Palhinha.
Whether Palhinha’s surprising absence against Leipzig is actually related to the transfer talks remains unclear at this time. One thing is certain, however: as long as Bayern doesn’t cite another reason, speculation about an impending departure is likely to continue to gain momentum.