TBR Football can exclusively confirm that West Ham United and Fulham are among the Premier League clubs that have made contact over Bayern Munich’s Joao Palhinha.
The Hammers and the Cottagers are both likely to be busy in the summer transfer window as they look to strengthen their respective ranks.
West Ham have had a very difficult season and will be eager to re-establish themselves in the top half of the table.
Meanwhile, Fulham are going from strength to strength under Marco Silva and remain in the picture for European qualification.
Fulham only sold Palhinha to Bayern last year, but he hasn’t had the finest of maiden seasons at the Allianz Arena, partly due to injuries and illness.
TBR Football can also reveal what Bayern and Palhinha think about the prospect of an early exit for the 29-year-old.
READ MORE: Defender says he was absolutely devastated when he decided to leave West Ham
Joao Palhinha wants Bayern Munich stay but club could be willing to move him on
TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey understands that Palhinha himself wants to make it work in Munich, but Bayern could be willing to move him on.
A number of Premier League clubs who have made enquiries about the former Fulham star, TBR Football understands.
Palinha joined Bayern last summer after a protracted chase from the German giants.
However, the 29-year-old has endured a frustrating campaign with just six Bundesliga starts to his name thus far.
We are told that ‘a number’ of Premier League clubs have asked Bayern about the situation.
Amongst the clubs to show an interest include West Ham, whilst former club Fulham are abreast of the situation.
The Saudi Pro League are also keen – but as it stands Palhinha wants to fight for his place at the Allianz.
How Joao Palhinha fared in the Premier League
At Fulham, Palhinha made a name for himself as one of the best midfielders outside of the Premier League’s conventional ‘big six’.
Palhinha joined Fulham from Sporting CP in 2022 for around £20million and the Cottagers sold him two years later for around £47million.
The likes of Arsenal and Liverpool were linked with Palhinha when he was in the Premier League.
Palhinha’s style of play was likened to Javi Martinez by the official Bundesliga website after he arrived at Bayern.
‘Palhinha’s physique, tough tackling ability, positioning and experience make him a powerful force in defensive midfield,’ they wrote.
‘Much like Bayern’s former midfield enforcer Javi Martinez, who Der Rekordmeister have never really replaced in their squad since he departed in 2021.
‘While he is more likely to be seen dropping back and blocking an opposing attack, he is not averse to roaming forward and scoring the occasional goal like Martínez – something Palhinha has been known to do in spectacular long-range style.’
