Man Utd ‘Interested in Striking Loan Deal’ for Joao Palhinha

Manchester United have pinpointed Joao Palhinha as a possible recruit and are weighing up whether to attempt to convince Bayern Munich to sanction a loan move to Old Trafford even though the reigning Bundesliga champions would prefer a permanent deal, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.

The Red Devils’ summer spending spree continued earlier this week, with Bryan Mbeumo completing his £71million switch from Premier League counterparts Brentford, while head coach Ruben Amorim also splashed the cash to land Brazil international Matheus Cunha earlier in the transfer window.

The playmaker sealed a £62.5million move from Wolverhampton Wanderers after the release clause written into his Molineux contract was triggered, but Manchester United have now turned their attention towards being more frugal in the market due to parting with the majority of their budget.

Red Devils Face Uphill Battle to Land Palhinha

Midfielder’s representatives aware of interest from Old Trafford

Manchester United are interested in striking a loan deal for Palhinha, according to GMS sources, but director of recruitment Christopher Vivell and other influential figures are in danger of facing an uphill battle as Bayern Munich are not prepared to facilitate a temporary exit at this stage of the transfer window.

The defensive midfielder is firmly on the Red Devils’ radar due to already having a vast amount of Premier League experience, thanks to a successful spell with Fulham before heading to Germany for more than £47million 12 months ago, and they have been considering upping the ante in their pursuit.

GMS sources have been informed that Palhinha’s representatives are aware of Manchester United’s interest, but his lack of action during the 2024/25 campaign has resulted in his admirers being particularly eager to explore a loan swoop after forking out lucrative sums to secure Cunha and Mbeumo.

Although the 30-year-old has been described as a ‘sensation’ by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp, he was unable to break into the forefront of Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany’s plans as they got their hands on the Bundesliga title, leading to the Red Devils sniffing an opportunity to pounce.

Fellow admirers Tottenham Hotspur have discovered that they will have to make a permanent offer for Palhinha if they want to stand a chance of landing him ahead of the upcoming season, GMS sources have learned, highlighting that Manchester United will find it difficult to persuade his current employers to entertain a loan proposal.

Palhinha Not Showing Desire to Make Switch

Portugal international currently wants to remain at Allianz Arena

GMS sources have been told that Manchester United are at risk of being unable to turn Palhinha’s head as he does not want to leave Champions League giants Bayern Munich and, despite being given very little clarity about the amount of game time he can expect in the 2025/26 campaign, he is willing to stay at the Allianz Arena and fight for his place.

The Portugal international still has three years remaining on a contract which allows him to pocket close to £200,000-per-week when bonuses are triggered, meaning that he is not under pressure to embark on a fresh challenge and may choose to snub the opportunity to head to Old Trafford.

Contacts with Bayern Munich have resulted in it becoming clear that the Bavaria-based giants’ preference is to cash in on Palhinha if he is given the green light to exit, GMS sources understand, but Manchester United and domestic counterparts Fulham are still showing an eagerness to persuade them to make a U-turn and sanction a loan move.

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GMS sources recently revealed that Amorim has been put off attempting to seal a reunion with Sporting’s Morten Hjulmand due to the Primeira Liga heavyweights holding out for his release clause to be activated, which will result in the Red Devils turning their attention elsewhere over the course of the coming weeks.

All statistics courtesy of Sofascore – correct as of 22/07/2025

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