Bayern Munich sporting director Christoph Freund has confirmed Fulham’s Joao Palhinha remains on their radar ahead of the January transfer window.
The Portugal international saw a move worth around £65m break down on deadline day as the German giants were thwarted in their attempts to bring the midfielder to the Allianz Arena.
Palhinha was keen to join Bayern after a stunning first season at Craven Cottage following a move from Sporting Lisbon but the two clubs could not agree a final fee before the transfer window closed in Germany.
Fulham were also struggling to sign a late replacement for their star turn, with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Scott McTominay reluctant to leave Tottenham and Manchester United respectively.
The midfielder has since signed a new contract in west London running until the summer of 2028 with an option for a further year but that has done little to deter Bayern’s interest.
Upon signing the deal, Palhinha said: “I can’t lie, in football, we all have dreams and those are to play in the Champions League and for the best clubs in the world.
“People need to see and understand that as well but I also want to say I have all respect and I am really happy to be here as well.
“The move didn’t happen and now I am just focused on Fulham again. I will focus on my work and give everything I can like I have done in the past. If I am honest, I got this opportunity [to move to Bayern] because of my teammates, without them it might not have happened.”
Freund admits Bayern could revisit their interest in the 28-year-old, telling Sport Bild: “Of course he is still on our radar.
“The club worked intensively with Palhinha in the summer. I was there for the bit on the last, strange day of the transfer window, but you can’t say yet what will happen. We are generally exploring the market.”
