Palhinha ‘could join’ Benfica on loan, Rui Costa seen as key factor | OneFootball

Benfica’s pursuit of João Palhinha is gathering momentum, although a deal remains some way from completion. Inside the club there is a sense that time could work in their favour.

Record writes that Bayern Munich’s stance has weakened after Tottenham chose not to exercise an option to buy the Portugal international. The Germans are struggling to find a club willing to pay 25 million euros, so another loan is gaining traction, a scenario that appeals to Rui Costa’s hierarchy.

At 31, Palhinha views this as one of the most significant decisions of his career and does not want to move for financial reasons alone. He prefers a project where he is central and fully trusted, a box Benfica believe they tick.

Marco Silva is a central factor. He coached Palhinha for two seasons at Fulham and holds the player in high regard, considering him more than a screening midfielder, a natural leader with the physical profile to fit his competitive blueprint.

The favoured mechanism under discussion is a paid loan with an obligation to buy next summer, around 10 million euros up front and a further 15 million later. Any arrival would prompt midfield reshuffles, as Rui Costa has made clear that incomings depend on departures.

Source: Glorioso 1904