Palhinha and Walker from the market?
Two Bayern dream players are extending their contract in England
September 14, 2023, 9:58 p.m
Despite great efforts, FC Bayern failed to sign Joao Palhinha and Kyle Walker in the summer. Now the two footballers are extending their contracts with Fulham FC and Manchester City almost simultaneously. The Munich team is actually planning winter transfers for their positions.
For Bayern Munich, a possible winter signing of dream player Joao Palhinha will probably be even more difficult and expensive. The Portuguese midfielder extended his contract with Fulham FC, which runs until 2027, by one year until 2028. This was announced by the Premier League club, which also secured an option for another season with Joao Palhinha.
“I’m very happy. A lot of things have happened to me in the last few weeks,” said the 28-year-old, who was in Munich to sign the contract on September 1st before the deal fell through: “I always had myself at 100 Percent committed and dedicated to my club. And I will continue to give everything I have to give.”
The contract extension in London is likely to be accompanied by a hefty salary increase. And if Palhinha changes next winter, it will probably be significantly more expensive than the 45 to 60 million euros that were recently rumored. Theoretically at least conceivable is the variant that Palhinha will now extend his contract in order to increase Fulham’s revenue if he moves to Munich soon. However, such an agreement is just as little known as the answer to the question of whether the new working paper contains an exit clause.
It wasn’t the only strange turn of events this Thursday: Shortly before Palhinha, right-back Kyle Walker had also extended his contract with his employer, and the 33-year-old, who was also courted by Bayern, signed with Manchester City until 2026. Despite all their efforts, the Munich team were unable to sign a new player in either position on September 1st.
Coach Thomas Tuchel urgently pushed for improvements, especially in Palhinha’s position. But while the desired defensively strong six didn’t come, Bayern gave up midfielder Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool) and right-back Benjamin Pavard (Inter) shortly before the goal was closed. It is generally expected that the Munich team will want to re-sign in midfield and defense in the winter.