Manchester United and Fulham are reportedly interested in signing 29-year-old Portuguese international Joao Palhinha from Bayern Munich in the summer transfer window.

According to a report by TEAMtalk, Manchester United and Fulham are vying for Joao Palhinha heading into the summer transfer window. The 29-year-old Bayern Munich midfielder has struggled to make his mark since joining the Bavarian giants from Fulham in a deal worth £46 million last summer.

So, the newly crowned Bundesliga champions are ready to cut their losses on the Portuguese international in the summer transfer window. Bayern Munich will demand around £25 million to part ways with Palhinha. While Manchester United will pursue the player as a cost-effective option for the midfield unit, Fulham may need some financial help to afford a deal.

Joao Palhinha and his Bayern Munich bother

Joao Palhinha has seen his progress come to a stuttering halt since joining Bayern Munich from Fulham in a deal worth £46 million last summer. Die Roten chased the experienced midfielder for over a year before landing him, having failed to secure his services on the deadline day of the 2023 summer transfer window. However, the wait has not been worth it for Bayern.

The Portuguese international barely made his mark at Bayern Munich in the 2024/25 season and could not even manage 1,000 minutes of game time across 24 appearances in all competitions. However, the 29-year-old remains a hot property in the market, with several Premier League clubs, including Bayern Munich and Manchester United, keen on signing him in the summer transfer window.

Premier League return on the horizon?

Fulham’s interest in Joao Palhinha makes sense. The Cottagers are scouring the market for a dynamic midfielder amid uncertainties surrounding Andreas Pereira’s long-term future. So, their former midfielder has emerged as a viable target. However, Fulham might not have the resources to afford Bayern Munich’s asking price of £25 million.

As for Manchester United, Christian Eriksen will officially depart from Old Trafford as a free agent in a few days. In addition, Casemiro faces an uncertain future at Manchester United. So, the Red Devils need a new midfielder, considering Manuel Ugarte has blown hot and cold in the 2024/25 season. Palhinha is thus a viable target.

The Red Devils view the 29-year-old Portuguese international as a cost-effective option to bolster their midfield unit. Bayern Munich’s asking price of £25 million makes Palhinha an attractive target, and it will be interesting to see where he lands amid his links with Fulham and Bayern Munich.