Liverpool would now face a new challenge if Jurgen Klopp revives the Anfield natives’ interest in a transfer for Joao Palhinha after he agreed to a new contract with Fulham.
That is according to the Evening Standard, which reports that Fulham convinced Palhinha to pen fresh terms that do not include a release clause. The Craven Cottage club confirmed the 28-year-old had committed his future until 2028 after a move to Bayern Munich fell through.
Fulham also hold an option to extend the Portugal midfielder’s time in west London up until June 2029. But Bayern Munich do retain an interest in securing Palhinha’s transfer after they failed to on deadline day. Der FCB could move for his signature again in the January window.
Palhinha’s new Fulham contract does not have a release clause
Bayern Munich hoped to beat the window slamming shut after offering Fulham £56m for his last-gasp transfer. Palhinha even travelled to Bavaria and underwent a medical for the record Bundesliga champions. Yet after posing with an FCB shirt, the midfielder then had to return.
Only two weeks passed between his transfer to Bayern Munich collapsing and Fulham giving Palhinha the new contract. It settles his immediate future and will strengthen the Cottagers’ resolve in the void of a release clause. But it does not ensure he will not leave west London.
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Bayern Munich nearly beat Liverpool to sign Klopp’s top target
Bayern Munich may still pose a threat when the sales restart in 2024. While Dean Jones had reported that Liverpool remained interested in Palhinha’s transfer from Fulham in the build-up to deadline day. Jurgen Klopp was keen to snap up his signature over many other targets.
The Daily Mail also noted in mid-August that Liverpool viewed Palhinha, who Danny Murphy called ‘absolutely phenomenal’ in May, as their top target over a number of Premier League midfielders. Klopp admired his combative traits ahead of Cheick Doucoure of Crystal Palace.