There’s a possibility that Joao Palhinha could be one of several names on the Bayern chopping board ahead of the summer transfer window.
The former Fulham man has had an opening season in Bavaria to forget – albeit one that has been significantly curtailed by injury.
Only 927 minutes have been picked up in 2024/25, due in no small part to a torn muscle bundle that has seen the 29-year-old miss 12 club games this term (plus a further three with illness).
As such, is it really any surprise to hear that Bayern Munich would be open to suitable offers at the end of the season?
Joao Palhinha believes in Bayern future
To the Portuguese international’s credit, he’s not taking reports of a potential summer exit lying down.
Palhinha has told the press (via Bavarian Football Works) that he believes he can get back into Vincent Kompany’s good books by applying himself in training.
“The coach has shown that you can recommend yourself in training. That’s what I’m focusing on,” he said.
There have, perhaps, been signs of early progress in that regard, with the holding midfielder having started against FC Augsburg last week.
However, Leon Goretzka was ultimately favoured over the 2024 summer signing when it came to the biggest occasion on Bayern’s calendar yet.
Palhinha remained an unused substitute in the 2-1 Champions League quarter-final (first leg) defeat to Inter Milan on Tuesday.
Bayern may need to make a tough decision
Given the likely significant expense Bayern will face this summer should they be successful in poaching Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, some tough transfer calls will be necessary.
Perhaps the toughest yet is already behind Max Eberl and Co., given that Thomas Muller’s impending exit at the end of the season is now a formality.
Joao Palhinha may then yet be one of several survivors come the start of the 2025/26 season.
We would suspect as much, at any rate, given he’s yet to be afforded enough consecutive chances to prove his worth in an injury-hit first season.
Let’s see if Bayern can meet their targets for sales and wage cuts without having to offload the Portugal star.
