Joao Palhinha follows Moises Caicedo to Chelsea transfer example as Bayern Munich dealt blow
Joao Palhinha appears to have taken a leaf out of Moises Caicedo's book. Fulham have dealt Bayern Munich a major blow to their hopes of signing the 28-year-old midfielder, who looked set to swap Craven Cottage for the Allianz Arena late into the transfer window.
Palhinha was heavily linked with numerous top clubs last summer, with one of which being the Bundesliga champions. However, the Portugal international's 'dream' proposed move to Bayern fell through at the eleventh hour after Marco Silva's side failed to bring in a replacement.
According to his brother and agent earlier this month, a transfer to the German giants was only 'postponed'. Goncalo Palhinha said: «They didn't kill the dream, they just postponed it. Very proud of my brother and the player I represent.
»Words of appreciation, recognition and thanks to the entire Bayern structure. The affection for the club in our family will remain forever even though my brother didn't sign."
As a result, Palhinha was not named in the matchday squad for Fulham's trip to the Etihad Stadium the following day, where Manchester City stormed past the Cottagers 5-1. The Portuguese star has since been reintegrated into the west London side – and he seems to have taken a leaf out of Caicedo's book.
Just like the Ecuadorian did at Brighton not too long after a move to Arsenal collapsed, Palhinha has signed a new long-term deal at Fulham. He's signed a contract which keeps him at Craven Cottage until at least 2028 and it remains to be seen whether or not there's a release clause.
Speaking to FFCtv after signing, the midfielder insisted that he remains focused on his future at Fulham despite having pursued a move to Bayern only two weeks prior. Palhinha said: «I feel happy. A lot of
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