Bayern ready to cut Palhinha loose as Juventus and Milan circle
Quick summary
Bayern Munich are open to offloading midfielder João Palhinha in January, with both Juventus and AC Milan reportedly interested in securing the Portuguese international.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceJoão Palhinha’s future lies away from Bayern Munich, and the Portuguese midfielder’s uncertain situation has caught the eye of both Juventus and Milan.
According to calciomercato.com , Palhinha is firmly outside Vincent Kompany’s plans in Bavaria after returning from a season-long loan at Tottenham, where he helped Spurs stave off relegation.
Now 31, he is seeking a fresh start, and two Serie A sides are among those weighing a move.
Bayern have made little secret of their willingness to move him on. Sporting director Max Eberl confirmed as much in a press conference, indicating the club’s incoming business was complete but that several exits had been sanctioned.
“We have three players we are ready to let leave,” Eberl said. “They have no future at Bayern. If they decided to stay, it would be difficult, because they are not part of our plans and will have no role.”
German reports name Palhinha, Sacha Boey and Bryan Zaragoza as the trio in question.
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 24: Joao Palhinha of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates after the team secured safety from relegation during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Everton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 24, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) Palhinha a midfield option for both Juventus and Milan For the Italian pair, the appeal is clear. Juventus are expected to refresh their midfield this summer and are keeping several options open, free agents among them, with possible departures also to weigh.
Milan are focused on the attacking-midfield berth for now, but outgoings in the engine room could open space, and Palhinha is a profile that appeals to new coach Rúben Amorim , whose structured, physical approach would suit the ball-winner well.
A return to Portugal cannot be ruled out either, with Benfica monitoring a player who has admitted he could head home at some point.
Cost may prove decisive but the €50m-plus Bayern paid Fulham in 2024 is a distant memory. The 31-year-old is now valued at around €15-20m, and the German champions are reportedly open to a loan-with-fee arrangement, as they arranged with Tottenham last summer, flexibility that only widens his list of suitors.
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What happened
Joao Palhinha, who joined Bayern Munich from Fulham in the summer of 2024 for around £47 million, has struggled for regular playing time under Vincent Kompany. Bayern are now prepared to let the defensive midfielder leave in the January transfer window, either on loan or permanently. Both Juventus and AC Milan have expressed interest in acquiring the Portuguese international, who has fallen behind Joshua Kimmich and Konrad Laimer in the pecking order at the Allianz Arena. The Serie A clubs see Palhinha as a potential reinforcement to their midfield, with his ball-winning and physicality profile considered well-suited to Italian football.
Chance analysis
Palhinha's potential departure from Bayern represents a significant change in fortune for a player signed just 18 months ago as a key midfield enforcer. For Bayern, freeing up his wages and squad spot could fund moves elsewhere. For Juventus and Milan, landing a proven Premier League and Bundesliga defensive midfielder on loan or at a reduced fee would be a shrewd addition. The situation directly affects Bayern's midfield depth and both Serie A clubs' January recruitment plans, though Palhinha's adaptation and form will be key factors in his next chapter.
Bayern lose a squad option in defensive midfield; Juventus or Milan gain a physical ball-winner if a deal is completed, affecting their midfield balance.
Monitor Bayern's midfield depth and the transfer status of Palhinha ahead of January window — if he leaves, expect a Bayern replacement move.