Reason Palhinha did not rejoin Sporting before Benfica move revealed | OneFootball

Palhinha had been linked with a Sporting reunion, but instead joined Benfica in the last window. A Bola reports that Bayern Munich twice refused to meet Sporting because Tottenham retained an option clause.

Sporting lodged an offer of eight million euros plus four million in add-ons to Bayern for the Portugal international.

Amid indecision and an impasse with the Germans, Sporting ended their pursuit in June. They moved for Sergi Altimira instead, and informed Palhinha of that choice on 27 June.

With Sporting out and Tottenham’s refusal, Benfica accelerated in July. They struck an agreement with Bayern worth 14 million euros fixed and five million in variables. The player’s desire to return to Portugal eased negotiations.

He also drew interest in England, with Aston Villa, Newcastle, Everton and Manchester United attempting to sign him. The Benfica project and his connection to Marco Silva ultimately carried more weight.

Source: Glorioso 1904

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