Fun fact: Could BVB, of all teams, be helping Bayern with this transfer issue? | OneFootball

FC Bayern continues to work on a sale of Joao Palhinha. While Benfica Lisbon has apparently set a deadline for the Munich club, another option could open up with Newcastle United. Interestingly, Borussia Dortmund, of all teams, could indirectly come to Bayern’s aid.

Club officials have recently made it unmistakably clear that Palhinha is set to leave the German record champions this summer. The 31-year-old no longer plays a role in Vincent Kompany’s sporting plans. The problem: Finding a suitable buyer has proven difficult so far.

According to information from BILD soccer editor Christian Falk, FC Bayern is asking for around 25 million euros for the Portuguese national team player. Added to that is his hefty salary. Palhinha is said to earn a base salary of around 8.5 million euros per year, which can rise to as much as 10 million euros with bonus payments.

It is precisely this total compensation package that has deterred potential suitors so far.

Benfica has apparently set Bayern a deadline

Benfica Lisbon remains one of the top contenders. The top Portuguese club would like to bring Palhinha back to his home country, but is reaching its financial limits.

According to Falk, Benfica is now increasing the pressure on Bayern. Reportedly, officials in Lisbon have set a deadline for the Munich club until Sunday. If no agreement is reached by then, Benfica apparently intends to withdraw from the transfer negotiations.

This leaves sporting director Max Eberl facing a difficult decision. Bayern could meet Benfica’s demands and thereby ensure planning certainty. At the same time, there is hope that a financially stronger suitor from the Premier League will emerge.

Aston Villa has been linked with Palhinha for quite some time. Coincidentally, the English club will face FC Bayern on Friday in Hong Kong as part of their preseason preparations.

Will BVB help Bayern with the Palhinha sale?

Photo: IMAGO

Now another door could open in England. Newcastle United is apparently looking to strengthen its central midfield. However, Felix Nmecha of Borussia Dortmund is reportedly at the top of the Magpies’ list right now.

Should BVB refuse to sell the German international, Newcastle would have to look for alternatives. This is precisely where Palhinha could come into the picture.

For FC Bayern, the Premier League club’s entry into the bidding war would be a welcome development. Newcastle has significantly greater financial resources than Benfica and could offer more flexibility regarding both the transfer fee and the Portuguese player’s salary.

However, this is still just a possible scenario. There are apparently no concrete negotiations between Newcastle and Bayern regarding Palhinha at this time.

For Eberl, time is running out. Benfica is pushing for a quick decision, Aston Villa remains an option, and Newcastle might only become a concrete possibility if the Nmecha transfer falls through. Ironically, a decisive move by BVB could thus help Bayern send one of its most prominent players up for sale to the Premier League after all.