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Manchester United are set to miss out on Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha after his club struck an agreement over the transfer fee with Bayern Munich.
Palhinha was mentioned as a target for United in the Red Devils’ efforts to rejuvenate their options in the middle of the park ahead of the upcoming 2024/25 season.
It’s looking increasingly likely that Casemiro will leave Old Trafford even as he continues to be strongly linked with Saudi Pro League clubs. Palhinha emerged as a strong candidate to replace the 32-year-old Brazilian.
United were not the only club pursuing the Portugal international as Bayern also had him on their radar. The Fulham man almost moved to the Allianz Arena last year, only for the deal to break down on the final day of the transfer window.
The Bavarian agents maintained their interest in the United target and according to the reliable Ben Jacobs, they finally found middle ground with the Cottagers over a fee for their defensive midfielder.
“Fulham rejected three offers before agreeing on a €51m+5m package. It’s lower than their original €70m asking price, but excellent payment terms and a club-record sale.”
“Palhinha expected to sign a four-year deal subject to a medical.”
More on João Palhinha’s Bayern move. Fulham rejected three offers before agreeing on a €51m+5m package. It’s lower than their original €70m asking price, but excellent payment terms and a club-record sale. Palhinha expected to sign a four-year deal subject to a medical.🩺 pic.twitter.com/0ETjhpV5dr
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) July 3, 2024
This information was corroborated by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano who wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Bayern have made a breakthrough in talks to sign João Palhinha, agreement on the verge of being completed with Fulham.”
“Clubs to agree on final details soon in order to sign docs in the next days. Palhinha clearly asked Fulham to let him join Bayern.”
🚨🔴 Bayern have made a breakthrough in talks to sign João Palhinha, agreement on the verge of being completed with Fulham.
Clubs to agree on final details soon in order to sign docs in the next days, as per @SkySportDE.
🇵🇹 Palhinha clearly asked Fulham to let him join Bayern. pic.twitter.com/4hPaYjFMzL
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 3, 2024
Soon after, Romano confirmed that a deal got over the line as he gave his famous “here we go” catchphrase.
“João Palhinha to Bayern, here we go! Deal approved on fee around €50m plus €5m add-ons.”
“Palhinha will sign contract until 2028 at Bayern, he’s been pushing for weeks for the deal to happen.”
“Medical to be booked then docs to be signed.”
🚨🔴 João Palhinha to Bayern, here we go! Deal approved on fee around €50m plus €5m add-ons.
Palhinha will sign contract until 2028 at Bayern, he’s been pushing for weeks for the deal to happen.
Medical to be booked then docs to be signed.
Story confirmed. ✅🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/Qh58buI805
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 3, 2024
Bayern signing Palhina now means that United almost certainly have a clear pathway to land Paris Saint-Germain star Manuel Ugarte.
It’s understood that Ugarte was an alternative to Palhinha if they failed in their bid to lure the Portuguese to Germany.
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