Misunderstanding Ends: Joao Palhinha Joins Benfica Lisbon
Munich, Bavaria, Germany – August 27, 2026 – Portuguese international midfielder Joao Palhinha has officially completed his transfer from FC Bayern Munich to Benfica Lisbon, the German club announced on Wednesday. The 31-year-old returns to his home city, where he started his professional career with Sporting Lisbon.
Max Eberl on Palhinha’s Departure
Max Eberl, FC Bayern’s Board Member for Sport, commented on the transfer: “We openly discussed his situation at FC Bayern with João Palhinha and then found a way that we could all agree on. He decided to continue his career in his home country. We thank him for his time at FC Bayern and wish him all the best for the future.”
Palhinha initially joined Bayern in the summer of 2024 from FC Fulham for a reported fee of 50 million euros. However, he struggled to establish himself at the club and spent the last season on loan at Tottenham Hotspur, where he played a key role in helping them avoid relegation.
Transfer Details Emerge
Reports from August 20, 2026, indicated that Bayern and Benfica had reached an agreement for Palhinha’s transfer. The deal is said to be worth up to 20 million euros, including bonuses. This marks a significant reduction from the 50 million euros Bayern paid for him two years prior.
Other Recent Bayern Transfer News
The transfer of Palhinha is one of several recent movements for FC Bayern:
- Felipe Chávez Loaned to Magdeburg: Bayern has loaned 19-year-old Peruvian international Felipe Chávez to second-division club 1. FC Magdeburg for one season. His contract with Bayern has been extended until 2028. Chávez, an attacking midfielder, spent the latter half of last season on loan at 1. FC Köln.
- Konrad Laimer Extends Contract: Midfielder Konrad Laimer has extended his contract with FC Bayern until 2029, adding two years to his previous deal which was set to expire in 2027.
- Alexander Nübel Joins Besiktas: Goalkeeper Alexander Nübel has made a permanent move to Besiktas Istanbul. The transfer fee is reportedly around 6.5 million euros, plus an additional 5 million euros in bonuses. Nübel, who had been on loan at VfB Stuttgart for the past three seasons, signed a contract with Besiktas until 2029.
- Nathaniel Brown Joins FC Bayern: Nathaniel Brown, a left-back from Eintracht Frankfurt, has officially joined FC Bayern, signing a contract until 2031. The transfer fee is speculated to be around 55 million euros.
- Leeron Danioko to Wolfsburg: Bayern youth player Leeron Danioko is reportedly moving to VfL Wolfsburg in the 2. Bundesliga.
- Ismael Saibari Joins FC Bayern: Moroccan World Cup star Ismael Saibari has joined FC Bayern from PSV Eindhoven for approximately 55 million euros, signing a contract until 2031.
- Maurice Krattenmacher to Elversberg: Talented offensive player Maurice Krattenmacher has moved from FC Bayern to newly promoted Bundesliga club SV Elversberg, signing a four-year contract until 2030.
- Raphaël Guerreiro Departs: Raphaël Guerreiro will leave FC Bayern this summer after his contract expires.
- David Santos Daiber Signs Professional Contract: 19-year-old midfielder David Santos Daiber has signed a professional contract with FC Bayern until 2030.
- Noël Aséko Returns to Bayern: Defensive midfielder Noël Aséko will return to FC Bayern after his loan spell at Hannover 96.
- Serge Gnabry Extends Contract: Serge Gnabry has extended his contract with FC Bayern until 2028.
- Bryan Zaragoza Loaned to AS Roma: Spanish offensive player Bryan Zaragoza has been loaned to AS Roma until the end of the season.
Ongoing Transfer Speculations
Several other players remain subjects of transfer speculation:
- Michael Olise: Despite CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen’s insistence that Olise will stay, rumors persist about Real Madrid’s interest, with reports of a potential 150 million euro bid.
- Anthony Gordon: FC Barcelona has reportedly entered the race for Anthony Gordon, a player also desired by Bayern. However, Bayern’s supervisory board is reportedly hesitant to approve a 90 million euro transfer fee.
- Leon Goretzka: Leon Goretzka is reportedly close to an agreement with AC Milan for a three-year contract.
- Min-Jae Kim: Defender Min-Jae Kim is reportedly a target for Juventus Turin, with Bayern seeking at least 30 million euros for his transfer.
- Manuel Neuer’s Future: Manuel Neuer is expected to make a decision about his future soon, with Bayern open to extending his contract for another year if he wishes.
FC Bayern’s transfer activities reflect a dynamic period for the club, balancing new acquisitions, player departures, and contract extensions as they aim to strengthen their squad for future challenges.
