FC Bayern Munich is actively seeking a permanent transfer for midfielder João Palhinha, who recently returned from a loan spell. A compelling new opportunity has now emerged for the German giants.

Reports indicate that Benfica Lisbon is keen on acquiring the 31-year-old defensive midfielder. Portugal’s most decorated club is reportedly structuring a bid totaling 20 million euros, complemented by an additional five million euros in potential bonuses. This proposal would align perfectly with FC Bayern’s valuation, as they are seeking 25 million euros for Palhinha’s services.

• A controversial return to Lisbon?

  Should this transfer materialize, it is poised to generate significant discussion. Palhinha developed through the youth ranks of Sporting CP, Benfica’s fierce cross-city rival, where he made 95 official appearances. Interestingly, prior to a Champions League clash between Bayern Munich and Benfica in autumn 2024, Palhinha described the fixture as a “special match.” He then surprisingly disclosed that despite his Sporting roots, his family members were “mostly Benfica supporters.”

  The midfielder has openly expressed his willingness to move to the red side of Lisbon. At Benfica, he would also be reunited with manager Marco Silva, under whom he previously played at Fulham in the Premier League before his move to Munich.

• Bayern’s €51 million investment struggled to shine

  Whispers suggested that his former club, Sporting CP, also showed interest in re-signing him. However, the Lisbon club was reportedly unable to meet the financial demands. Furthermore, prestigious Italian clubs like Juventus Turin and AC Milan are now said to be monitoring the situation.

  Palhinha made the switch from Fulham to Bayern Munich in 2024 for a substantial fee of 51 million euros. Despite the significant investment, he struggled to cement a regular place in the squad, making only 25 official appearances for the Bavarian club, predominantly coming off the bench. Last summer, he was sent on loan to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League for five million euros. However, after a season where the London side narrowly avoided relegation, they ultimately decided against activating the agreed-upon purchase option.

  Should the move to Benfica materialize, Palhinha would mark the fifth former loanee that Bayern has permanently offloaded this summer. This list includes Alexander Nübel (to Besiktas), Daniel Peretz (to Southampton), Maurice Krattenmacher (to Elversberg), and Jonah Kusi-Asare (to Fulham).