Palhinha Too Expensive for Benfica: Will Bayern Lower the Price? | OneFootball

Joao Palhinha is expected to leave FC Bayern this summer. Benfica Lisbon is a concrete suitor—but financing the transfer could prove to be the biggest obstacle.

FC Bayern continues to work on streamlining its roster and generating additional revenue on the transfer market. One of the most prominent players on the chopping block remains Joao Palhinha, who is reportedly no longer in Vincent Kompany’s plans.

Benfica Lisbon is now a concrete suitor actively pursuing the Portuguese national team player. However, according to information from BILD, the deal could fall through primarily due to financial constraints.

According to the report, talks between Benfica and the player’s side are already underway. For the Portuguese record champions, however, the total package—comprising the transfer fee and salary—poses a major challenge.

Palhinha earns a base salary of around 8.5 million euros per year at FC Bayern. Even if the midfielder were to take a pay cut, Benfica could apparently only afford a transfer fee of about 15 million euros. This would bring the total package to just over 20 million euros—well below Munich’s previous expectations.

Benfica is open to the idea of signing Palhinha on loan

Should negotiations between the two clubs take place, FC Bayern would therefore likely have to significantly reduce its transfer fee demand. Otherwise, according to BILD, Benfica is already exploring alternative models. Reportedly, the Portuguese club is considering a loan with an option to buy or even a mandatory buyout clause. A Bola had also recently reported on this scenario.

From Bayern’s perspective, however, a prompt sale would still be desirable. Following the multi-million-euro signings of Nathaniel Brown and Ismael Saibari, the club aims to generate additional revenue while simultaneously cutting payroll costs. Vincent Kompany apparently no longer sees any sporting prospects for Palhinha.

Photo: IMAGO

Coach Marco Silva is considered the driving force behind Benfica’s interest; he previously worked successfully with Palhinha at Fulham FC and is determined to bring the 31-year-old to Lisbon.

Should Benfica reach its financial limits, Bayern Munich will likely have to decide whether to compromise on its asking price or continue waiting for a higher offer.