Is Palhinha leaving soon? Eberl confirms: „Negotiations are underway“ | OneFootball

FC Bayern still wants to sell Joao Palhinha this summer. Several clubs are currently being linked to the Portuguese player, including Newcastle United. 

There were recent talks with Aston Villa, but since the English club from Birmingham offered only a loan and not a direct purchase, the transfer fell through.

Current media reports suggest that Newcastle is very interested in signing the player. There is even talk of a direct purchase. The Magpies are in need of reinforcements because Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali have left the club, leaving a gap in central midfield.

Eberl discusses Palhinha’s departure

Following the Telekom Cup match against RB Leipzig, which FC Bayern won 3-1, sporting director Max Eberl spoke in the mixed zone about players who might be sold—and specifically about Joao Palhinha.

“Negotiations are underway, and they are negotiations that could lead to a transfer. That’s why we didn’t want to take any risks,” he said when asked why the Portuguese player was missing from the roster, even though he had recently been fit. He also confirmed that he had been on the phone repeatedly throughout the match.

Photo: IMAGO

When asked by FCBinside whether Eberl had spoken with representatives from Newcastle United, the sporting director replied with a smile: “It’s a lengthy process, if I can put it that way. But I can’t announce anything just yet.”

Eberl also commented on the player’s attitude. He said there was absolutely no cause for criticism. “Joao and Sacha Boey give 100% and are completely professional. With Joao, things are a bit further along, which is why we acted the way we did,” said Eberl. Boey is also allowed to leave FC Bayern and played nearly the entire game against Leipzig.

But back to Palhinha. Bayern most recently demanded 25–30 million euros for him, which led to complicated negotiations. It remains to be seen whether this figure is realistic. After the tough transfer negotiations this summer, however, it cannot be ruled out that Bayern’s management is now willing to compromise.