The Portuguese midfielder is no stranger to adversity.
In 2023, Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel lobbied hard for the club to bring in João Palhinha, a journeyman midfielder who had found success at Sporting CP, Braga, and Fulham. Bayern’s management was unable to complete the move before the end of the transfer window but circled back around in 2024 to acquire Palhinha.
Vincent Kompany started the season preferring to use Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlović as the midfield pairing. When Pavlović broke his collarbone, Palhinha stepped in and brought stability to the position.
Just as Palhinha settled in, he picked up an adductor injury on an international break that sidelined him for almost three months.
“It was the most difficult season of my career,” said Palhinha (via @iMiaSanMia). “The injury [in November] didn’t help me. But now I’m at a very good level physically. I want and must show what I can do. It’s up to me. I learned a lot in my first season, and it’s not the first time I’ve had to get myself out of a difficult situation. You grow from situations like that. And from a personal perspective, my first and only goal for next season is to prove my worth to this club.”
Palhinha has seen limited minutes since his return from injury and naturally has become the subject of transfer rumors. However, Palhinha has a different plan in mind.
“I want to stay. Why not?” Palhinha added (via @iMiaSanMia). “I’m at one of the best clubs in the world. And just because things didn’t go well from a personal perspective in my first season doesn’t mean I’m giving up. If anyone wants to show what they can do, it’s me. I will fight to get more playing time in the new season.”
Palhinha will want to review the resurgence of Leon Goretzka who was told to leave last summer but stayed and fought his way back into the starting lineup. Bayern will also bring in teenager Tom Bischof to increase the midfield competition and depth.
