Per multiple reports, Bayern Munich defensive midfielder João Palhinha is heading back to Portugal.
The first report broke this morning from SIC Notícias (covered here by Bavarian Football Works), indicating that the Bavarians and Benfica reached an accord on the 31-year-old, but now multiple reports are flowing in.
Palhinha’s move from Bayern Munich to Benfica is now reportedly a done deal, according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano and Record (via @iMiaSanMia), a Portuguese outlet, with the
two clubs reaching a verbal agreement on a €14 million fixed fee plus up to €5 million in add-ons.
The deal will see Bayern Munich receive up to €19 million in total, with €3 million of the €5 million in bonuses reportedly considered relatively easy to achieve. Palhinha is set to sign with Benfica and will reportedly earn €2.5 million net per year, along with a €1 million signing fee. Palhinha currently makes €10 million gross per season with Bayern Munich and has a bonus structure of €2 million.
After joining Bayern Munich from Fulham in 2024, Palhinha struggled to establish himself as a regular and spent last season on loan at Tottenham Hotspur. The 31-year-old will return to Portugal and look to revive his career at Benfica.
For Bayern Munich, it brings an end to a transfer that never quite worked out as expected.
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