This summer, Joao Palhinha returned to FC Bayern from his loan stint at Tottenham after it became clear that the Spurs would not exercise their option to buy. A full-blown transfer saga then unfolded around the Portuguese player, which has now come to an end.
On Wednesday, FC Bayern officially announced that the defensive midfielder is returning to Portugal, where he will join SL Benfica. After lengthy negotiations, the Portuguese club and the record champions agreed on a transfer fee in the range of approximately 15 million euros.
Bayern can also receive up to five million euros in bonus payments if all the necessary conditions are met.
Palhinha is moving to Benfica
The Portuguese player, who moved to Munich from FC Fulham in 2024, never established himself at FC Bayern. Given the high fee paid at the time, he can certainly be considered a transfer flop.
“We openly discussed João Palhinha’s situation at Bayern with him and then found a solution we could all agree on. He has decided to continue his career in his home country. We thank him for his time at FC Bayern and wish him all the best for the future,” said Max Eberl, FC Bayern’s sporting director, commenting on the transfer.
In his first season, the midfielder played in 25 competitive matches and celebrated winning the German championship with FC Bayern. However, he never quite managed to leave his mark on Bayern’s style of play.
This summer, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Sporting CP, and two Serie A teams were also vying for the player’s services. In the end, however, he decided to return to Portugal. Bayern has now officially closed the Palhinha chapter, as the club was determined to prevent another loan deal involving the player.
