Goretzka as a role model: Matthäus believes Palhinha will turn things around at FC Bayern | OneFootball

João Palhinha, Sacha Boey, and Bryan Zaragoza no longer play a role in FC Bayern’s sporting plans. Nevertheless, Lothar Matthäus does not believe that everything has already been decided for the trio. The all-time leading German international points to the example of Leon Goretzka and sees it as a possible glimmer of hope.

FC Bayern has recently made it unmistakably clear that Palhinha, Boey, and Zaragoza are expected to leave the club this summer if possible. Sporting director Max Eberl publicly emphasized that the three players no longer have a future with the record-holding champions.

So far, however, putting these plans into action has proven difficult. In addition to their high salaries, the transfer fees demanded are also complicating potential transfers.

Matthäus doubts Bayern’s transfer fee demands

In his Sky column, Lothar Matthäus commented on the current situation of the players slated for sale. He considers Munich’s asking price for João Palhinha, in particular, to be ambitious.

“I don’t think Bayern will actually get the 30 million they’re asking for João Palhinha. They may have to lower their asking price,” explained the 64-year-old.

According to Matthäus, interested clubs know full well that Bayern wants to offload its players. This makes it significantly more difficult to command high transfer fees.

Could Goretzka serve as a role model for the trio on the way out?

Photo: IMAGO

If no solutions are found by the end of the transfer window, Matthäus still sees no reason to view the situation as hopeless.

The former Bayern pro points to Goretzka, who was also considered a transfer candidate in the summer of 2024 but didn’t want to leave the club. Instead, the midfielder fought his way back into the team with strong performances and once again put himself in the spotlight.

“Perhaps a Leon Goretzka could serve as a good example for Palhinha and company,” said Matthäus.

Whether a similar scenario will actually repeat itself remains to be seen. Bayern Munich officials have recently reaffirmed their position on multiple occasions and are no longer counting on Palhinha, Boey, and Zaragoza in their sporting plans. However, if none of the three players finds a new club by the transfer deadline, Munich would have to honor their existing contracts—and then, much like with Goretzka back then, the situation could very well change again over the course of the season.