Fulham has turned down an increased offer from Bayern Munich for Joao Palhinha

Fulham have been firm in their stance regarding Joao Palhinha, rejecting another bid from Bayern Munich for the talented 28-year-old defensive midfielder. This marks the latest development in a saga that has been ongoing since last summer, with Bayern keen to secure his services.

The offer from Bayern is reported to be one of the most substantial for a defensive midfielder of Palhinha’s age. With bonuses factored in, the potential deal’s value would rank as the second-highest for a player in this position aged 28 or over. The current second-highest fee in this category is the £40 million that Al-Ittihad paid for Fabinho to Liverpool last year, providing a benchmark for the discussions around Palhinha’s transfer.

As if to fuel the competition for his signature, Palhinha, who still has four years left on his Fulham contract, is also attracting interest from other major clubs. Barcelona and Manchester United are reportedly keeping a close eye on the situation, adding further intrigue to the potential transfer.

The interest from Bayern Munich is said to be bolstered by the enthusiasm of their newly appointed manager, Vincent Kompany, who is eager to bring the Portugal international to the Bundesliga. This pursuit is backed by the club’s sporting directors, Max Eberl and Christoph Freund, indicating the level of interest and investment Bayern is placing in securing Palhinha’s services.

Nevertheless, the competition for Palhinha’s signature is fierce, with Manchester United and Barcelona also in the mix. While it is suggested that Barcelona may face financial constraints in any pursuit of the ex-Sporting player, the interest from such esteemed clubs reflects the high regard in which Palhinha is held in the football world.

The twists and turns in Palhinha’s potential move to Bayern Munich are intriguing, with the 28-year-old almost making the switch on Deadline Day last summer. However, due to Fulham’s inability to secure a replacement in time, the move did not materialize, leading to a new contract for Palhinha with his current club.

Fulham’s steadfastness in retaining their prized asset is clear, as evidenced by their rejection of a £45 million bid from West Ham last July. The club’s resolve reflects their belief in Palhinha’s quality and the pivotal role he plays within their squad, setting the stage for a potentially protracted negotiation process with interested parties.