Benfica persist with João Palhinha pursuit, salary concerns prompt plan B | OneFootball

Benfica remain intent on signing João Palhinha this summer, although the midfielder’s salary is prompting contingency plans.

According to Glorioso 1904, the 31-year-old is still Rui Costa’s top midfield target and the club will push on while there is room to complete a deal. Alternatives have been identified and could be pursued quickly if a move to the Estádio da Luz proves impossible.

Bayern Munich are understood to want around €20 million, a fee Benfica view as high. Palhinha’s wages and interest from other clubs add further complexity.

Even so, Benfica believe the player’s stance could be decisive. He is open to a return to Portuguese football and retains a close relationship with Marco Silva, who worked with him at Fulham and regards him as an ideal fit to balance the midfield.

In Bavaria, little has changed. Palhinha is with Bayern’s camp in South Korea but remains outside plans for the new season, is not on the official squad list, and Vincent Kompany has recently made clear that his future does not lie with the Bavarian side.

The stalemate is causing unease at the Luz, with Rui Costa increasingly unhappy about the pace of talks. He wants the matter resolved quickly, either by landing Palhinha or moving for another midfielder for Marco Silva’s squad.

Source: Glorioso 1904

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”