NEWS
Costly Misunderstanding: Palhinha Returns to Portugal
In 2024, FC Bayern paid almost 50 million Euros for Joao Palhinha - now the midfielder returns to Portugal for a fraction of that amount.
FC Bayern Munich has found a buyer for Joao Palhinha.
The 31-year-old midfielder, who achieved his sporting breakthrough at Sporting, is returning to Portugal and, of all clubs, signing a four-year contract with Benfica.
For the 37-cap Portuguese international, the German record champions will receive 14 million Euros - a fraction of what Bayern paid for him.
Just two years ago, Palhinha moved from Fulham to Munich for 51 million Euros. The "Cottagers" signed the defensive midfielder in 2022 for about half that amount from Sporting.
Only 25 Appearances for FC Bayern
"We openly discussed João Palhinha's situation at FC Bayern and then found a solution that we could all agree on. He has decided to continue his career in his home country," sporting director Max Eberl is quoted as saying in a press release.
Thus, the 1.90-meter tall player's time at FCB ends as an expensive misunderstanding. In his only season with the Munich club, the Portuguese only made 25 appearances (986 minutes).
The defensive midfielder spent the previous season on loan at Tottenham Hotspur. He still made 45 appearances across all competitions there, but it wasn't enough for a permanent transfer to the Spurs.
