Bayern Munich is unpacking its bags to escape relegation. Two new arrivals cost more than Kim Min-jae (28).
Bayern Munich announced on its official website on Nov. 11, “The club has signed midfielder Palinha from Fulham of the English Premier League. The Portugal international turned 29 on Tuesday. The contract is for four years and will be valid until June 30, 2028.”
Head coach Max Eberle added: “Palinha was on our radar last summer. It was important that we never lost contact with him. He really wanted to come here and we need players like that. He is an important part of our future.” “Palinha showed his quality once again at the Euros. He has a lot of experience, having played in Euros and World Cups before, as well as 300 games for his club team. He will bring even more stability to the Bayern Munich midfield.”
Palinha, who realized his dream, said: “Today is the happiest day of my life. I am now playing for a club at the highest level in Europe. My dream has come true and I am very proud. I’m looking forward to the atmosphere and the fans at the Allianz Arena. I want to enjoy success with Bayern Munich, lift trophies and give my all,” he smiled.
Palinha will wear the number 16 shirt.
Bayern Munich said: “Palinha has chosen to wear the number 16. It is the number worn by Jens Jeremies, Dietmar Hamann, Lothar Matthaeus and Hanzi Flick in Bayern Munich’s history. The next name to join the ranks was Palinha,” he announced.
Palinha is a defensive midfielder who stands at 6-foot-4. He’s not a particularly good passer or breakaway midfielder, but he’s the type of midfielder who can protect a defense with his physicality and defensive awareness. 안전놀이터 Palinha joined Fulham in the 2022-2023 season and impressed. He finished the season leading the Premier League in tackles.
In fact, Palinha was close to joining Bayern Munich a year earlier. Thomas Tuchel, who was looking for a No. 6 midfielder, wanted him badly and the transfer process went smoothly. Palinha flew to Munich, completed his medical, and even had his photo taken for the official announcement. However, the deal fell through when Fulham failed to find a replacement for Palinha.
Nevertheless, Palin and Bayern Munich didn’t give up on each other, and a year later, their dreams were realized. The transfer fee totaled €56 million ($83.4 billion), down from the €65 million ($96.9 billion) that had been discussed a year earlier. Bayern Munich reportedly made three offers this summer before reaching an agreement.
Palinha is Bayern Munich’s third signing of the summer.
Bayern Munich are sparing no expense in the transfer market after last season’s 12-year title drought.
Michael Oliseh, whose signing was announced on August 8, cost a whopping €60 million. The transfer fee was initially estimated to be around €51 million, but Crystal Palace suddenly increased the price. Nevertheless, Bayern Munich had no choice but to say ‘OK’ as they were desperate to reinforce their wingers.
This makes Kim the sixth most expensive player in the club’s history. He arrived in a Bayern Munich shirt last summer for €50 million ($74.8 billion). At the time, it was the fourth most expensive transfer in history. However, with the arrival of Oliseh and Palinha, he was forced to make way for Kim Min-jae.
The Bavarians were also interested in Japan international defender Hiroki Ito. However, his transfer fee was relatively cheap at €30 million (approximately KRW 44.9 billion). The record for Bayern Munich’s highest transfer fee is currently held by Harry Kane. He left Tottenham a year ago for a transfer fee of €95 million. In second place is Luka Hernandez (€80 million) and third is Matthijs de Ligt (€67 million).