Softfootball understands that Bayern Munich’s midfielder Joao Palhinha has shut down speculation over a potential summer move, reaffirming his commitment to Bayern Munich ahead of the new season.
As reported by Metro.co.uk, the 30-year-old Portugal international has stated that he wants to fight for a stay at the Allianz Arena despite instability.
He said that there are more years to fight for a spot at the German club, said that;
“I have a contract for three more years.”
“That’s always been clear. I’ll report for duty when preseason begins.”
Palhinha endured a frustrating injury-inflicted debut campaign in Bavaria after completing a £47.4m switch from Fulham, a year on from his collapsed deadline-day move to the German giants. Injuries restricted Palhinha to just six Bundesliga starts, with competition for places intensifying under Vincent Kompany.
Despite reports linking him with Inter Milan and renewed interest from Arsenal, Palhinha says he’s focused on making his mark at the Allianz Arena. The midfielder, who is under contract until June 2028, will return to training on July 29.
Bayern’s midfield is currently stacked, with Leon Goretzka, Joshua Kimmich, Konrad Laimer, Aleksandar Pavlovic, and new arrival Tom Bischof all vying for minutes.
Yet Palhinha remains determined to stake his claim, saying that he’s unshaken by the challenge ahead.
“I’m very motivated. I want to prove my worth at Bayern.”
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich is still active in getting Liverpool winger Luis Diaz from the English club. As earlier reported by Softfootball, Bayern proposed a bid worth €67.5 million (£58.6m) for the Colombian international earlier this week, identifying the 28-year-old as a priority attacking target.
However, the bid was flatly rejected by the Premier League champions, who continue to insist the winger is not for sale. While Díaz remains an integral figure in Arne Slot’s plans for the upcoming campaign, Liverpool’s internal valuation of the forward is understood to exceed €100 million, though this figure is said to reflect accounting considerations more than a definitive asking price.
Interest in Díaz stretches beyond Bavaria, with Barcelona among several other clubs monitoring his situation. Still, Liverpool has made it clear to all suitors that the winger is not available for now.
