João Palhinha: Who is Bayern's new holding midfielder?
Bayern Munich have boosted their squad with the signing of experienced and extremely tough operator João Palhinha, who has earned plaudits for his play in the English Premier League.
Data correct as of 11 July 2024
João Palhinha
Age: 29 (born: 9 July 1995)
Club: Bayern Munich
Position: Midfielder
Country: Portugal (31 caps, two goals)
Key stats
Palhinha emerged as a talent from the famed Sporting Lisbon academy, which has produced the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Leão and Wolfsburg prospect Tiago Tomás. He did not make an instant breakthrough at the talent-rich Portuguese club, playing for their B team until the age of 22 and having three loan spells at Moreirense, Belenenses and Braga. After helping the latter to a surprise third-place finish in 2019/20, Palhinha's persistence finally rewarded him with regular appearances for Sporting the following season. The capital club promptly won the Primiera Liga title and Palhinha was named in the league's team of the year.
The consistency of the 6'3" gritty midfield patroller in the 2020/21 title-winning season earned him his first full international cap at the age of 25 in March 2021. Two appearances at UEFA Euro 2020 followed that summer. A move to Fulham in the English Premier League then came after another impressive season for Sporting. The London club finished an impressive 10th in 2022/23 on their first season back in the top flight with Palhinha anchoring their midfield. Three brief appearances in the 2022 FIFA World Cup followed as the Lisbon native's star continued to rise, and he continued to impress for Portugal at Euro 2024 in his new home of Germany.
All in all, Palhinha made 79 competitive appearances for the Cottagers, showing he can also find the back of the net by picking up seven goals. It is his defensive capabilities, though, that could prove vital to Bayern's resurgence.
What's Your Reaction?
