Sérgio Krithinas recounts July airport chat with Palhinha amid Benfica move | OneFootball

Speaking on Now, Sérgio Krithinas said he met João Palhinha at an airport in July, with Benfica’s interest newly public, and heard the midfielder intended to choose the place he felt most wanted.

Krithinas added that Palhinha was unsure about his future at the time, but the impression was that Benfica were a strong possibility.

It had been disclosed why a Sporting return did not materialise. The club tabled an official offer of 8 million euros plus 4 million in add-ons to Bayern Munich, but the German club twice declined to meet due to an option clause retained by Tottenham.

Amid uncertainty and a standstill with Bayern, Sporting abandoned the pursuit in June. Benfica then moved in July, agreeing 14 million euros plus 5 million in add-ons with Bayern, helped by the player’s strong desire to return to Portugal.

There was also interest from England, with Aston Villa, Newcastle, Everton and Manchester United exploring a deal, but the Benfica project and his link to Marco Silva ultimately carried most weight.

Source: Glorioso 1904

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