Could the departure of Ryan Gravenberch make way for João Palhinha to join Bayern Munich?

Having just agreed a package of €45m with Liverpool for Ryan Gravenberch, Bayern Munich now have the chance to land their current top target, João Palhinha.

Head coach Thomas Tuchel has been searching for a number six all summer long. Now at the final moment, with Gravenberch basically out the door, will Tuchel get his wish? 

Throw a piece of paper in the air, and chances are it will land on a player’s name that has been linked with a move to Bayern to become their new holding midfielder. This window alone has named people such as Declan Rice, Scott McTominay, Eric Dire, Lukas Klostermann, Ibrahim Sangaré, Wilfried Ndidi, Aurelien Tchouemani, and Florentino Luis.

However, in recent days one name has emerged and appears to be coming to fruition. Palhinha has shone since joining Fulham from Sporting CP last year. Fulham enjoyed a splendid return to the Premier League, with the Portuguese international key to most of the success. 

The midfielder won’t come cheap, however. Bayern will have to pay around €60m to The Cottagers for the 28-year-old. Having just recuperated €45m for Gravenberch, the fee isn’t a stretch for Bayern. What’s more, the club have now made a record amount of sales in one window thanks to the Gravenberch deal. 

As per reports by Florian Plettenberg, Palhinha has informed Fulham that he wishes to join Bayern. The player is waiting for the green light and remains optimistic that a deal can be reached. 

Palhinha could be the missing piece in the Bayern machine and slot in well as a regular squad player. On the flip side, it will be a damming loss for Fulham so close to the end of the transfer window. 

GGFN | Jamie Allen