(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Manchester United have yet to make a move in the window for Bayern Munich’s out-of-favour defensive midfielder João Palhinha.
The Portuguese international, formerly of Fulham, has not exactly enjoyed a happy spell in Munich since his summer 2024 transfer.
Former FC Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel had been hellbent on signing the 29-year-old in his bid to crack Europe with the Bundesliga giants.
The deal came a year late, and by that time, the now England boss had departed his role. His replacement, coming in the form of Belgian head coach Vincent Kompany, has proven to be far less sympathetic to Palhinha’s qualities.
FC Bayern want to sell João Palhinha to the Premier League
Ideally, a bid would come from any top club willing to take the holding midfielder off Bayern’s hands this summer.
The German giants’ stance is clear: they want Palhinha sold and are prepared to accept that they won’t recoup the £42.3m they initially paid Fulham.
Bayern would accept offers between €30m-35m [£25.6m-29.9m] for the player. Unfortunately, at the present time, the Bavarians are still waiting for an interested party to take the bait.
Also, rather frustratingly, the No.16 appears to be closing himself off to a move.
“There are also no developments regarding João Palhinha,” Christian Falk exclusively informed CaughtOffside.
“The player is still keen to establish himself at FC Bayern and is currently not interested in returning to Fulham.”
West Ham were previously thought to be intrigued by Palhinha, but a move remains forthcoming.
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Could Manchester United be a transfer destination?
Whilst Casemiro still has his undeniable qualities, Manchester United will have to face facts quickly.
The Brazilian international is no longer the player he was at Real Madrid and is, without question, struggling with the pace of the Premier League.
There are still question marks around Manuel Ugarte, too, following his £42m move from PSG.
With that in mind, the Premier League-proven midfielder could offer the Red Devils a viable solution for a meagre fee.
Indeed, United are understood to be one of several Premier League clubs maintaining a watching brief on João Palhinha.
Why haven’t United signed Palhinha?
The club’s ongoing lack of movement in this regard is also explainable.
The priority for Ruben Amorim’s men has been reinforcing a forward line that failed to impress last term. To that end, Matheus Cunha has already signed from Wolves, and Manchester United are reportedly closing in on Bryan Mbeumo.
Perhaps with these two options ticked off the list, United can turn their attention to the likes of Palhinha.
Of course, United’s lack of movement here may also have something to do with the player’s insistence on making a success of his Bayern move.
Only time will tell whether the Portuguese footballer’s resolve will break before the deadline.
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