Palhinha's Bayern Munich move collapses
- Published
Philip McNulty, 成人快手 Sport
Joao Palhinha's proposed move from Fulham to Bayern Munich has collapsed despite the Portugal midfielder undergoing a medical in Germany.
The 28-year-old was given permission by Fulham to fly to Germany ahead of a possible deal but it was on the strict understanding that a replacement would have to be signed before the deal would be approved.
Fulham were unable to bring anyone in as a direct replacement and the German transfer window closed at 17:00 BST with no transfer signed off, meaning Palhinha will now return to Craven Cottage.
It will be a bitter disappointment to Palhinha, who had set his sights on playing Champions League football, and also to Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel, who saw him as a key acquisition after signing England captain Harry Kane.
Bayern were prepared to offer what would have been a club record figure for a Fulham sale, with a fee in excess of 拢65m touted, but The Cottagers stood firm and refused to part with one of their most influential players until they had strengthened that area of Marco Silva's team.