Bayern Munich complete signing of Portugese star midfielder

Bayern Munich have announced the long-awaited signing of Joao Palhinha from Fulham.

Palhinha was set to join Bayern on deadline day of the summer 2023 transfer window, but a move collapsed at the final hurdle and he had to return to west London.

Though the midfielder signed a new contract with Fulham shortly after that deal fell through, Bayern retained an interest in the Portugal international and made renewed attempts to sign him this window.

And the Bavarians confirmed on Thursday morning they had completed the signing of Palhinha on a four-year contract.

“This is one of the happiest days of my life,” Palhinha told Bayern club channels. “I am now playing for one of the absolute top clubs in Europe, it’s a dream come true for me and I’m very proud of that.

“I’m looking forward to the atmosphere and the fans in the Allianz Arena. I want to celebrate success with FC Bayern, win titles – I’ll give everything to achieve that.”

Sporting director Max Eberl added: “Joao Palhinha was already highly regarded at FC Bayern last summer – and rightly so! It was important that we never lost contact.

“Joao really wanted to come to FC Bayern and we need players like him. He is an important building block for our future. He has once again demonstrated his strengths on a big stage at the European Championships and brings a lot of experience with him, having previously played in a European Championship and a World Cup and around 300 competitive matches in the Portuguese and English leagues. He will give us even more stability in the centre.”

Palhinha becomes Bayern’s third big-money signing of a busy summer window already, with Stuttgart defender Hiroki Ito and Crystal Palace forward Michael Olise also making the switch to the Allianz Arena.