01 February 2025, Bavaria, Munich: Soccer: Bundesliga, Bayern Munich – Holstein Kiel, matchday 20 at the Allianz Arena. Joao Palhinha from Munich plays the ball.
According to a report from Tz journalists Hanna Raif, Philipp Kessler, and Vinzent Tschirpke (as captured by @iMiaSanMia), Bayern Munich might not have necessarily wanted to sign João Palhinha last summer, but felt an obligation to do so because of how a potential transfer fell apart in 2023:
There’s talk behind the scenes at Säbener Straße that João Palhinha was only signed last summer because the people in charge promised him that after the failed transfer in summer 2023.
The Portuguese is currently behind in the pecking order, and the fact he had to deal with injuries and illnesses didn’t make things any easier for him. Palhinha could already be a candidate for sale in the summer.
As for Friday’s game against Stuttgart – should Joshua Kimmich be given a rest, Leon Goretzka and Aleks Pavlović are expected to start in midfield.
If true, it seems like a weird time for Bayern Munich to take on the “A Lannister always pays his debt” mantra — that part of the report came across as a little wonky, but otherwise, you can see how other midfielder might fit better into what Kompany wants from the position.
Palhinha has a different profile than the other midfielders in the squad, which was thought to be a bonus for him. However, as the report notes, injuries and illnesses have taken their toll on him as he tries to find a way to break into the team consistently.
With Joshua Kimmich expected to ink a contract extension soon and Tom Bishof arriving in July, Palhinha’s pathway to playing time might be even more difficult.
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