Palhinha did claim a Bundesliga winners’ medal last season but played a reduced role in the team’s triumph. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Man Utd ‘eager’ to seal deal for £48m Bayern star hailed as ‘world-class’; a loan is most likely

Originally posted on Stretty News | By Isabel Ryan | Last updated Jun 21, 2025 7:43 AM ET

Almost 12 months on from being snubbed by João Palhinha, Manchester United have re-added the player to their shortlist this summer.

Last summer, Palhinha finally sealed his dream move to Bayern Munich after seeing the transfer collapse on deadline day in September 2023; he had gone as far as travelling to Germany to undergo a medical, but was made to fly back to England when Fulham were unable to sign a replacement in time.

The situation hasn’t panned out the way he or Bayern had hoped, though. The Bundesliga giants forked out £48 million to sign Palhinha from Fulham, with the expectation being that he’d play a key role in Vincent Kompany’s plans.

Joao Palhinha endures a quiet first year in Germany

However, Palhinha ended his maiden campaign in Munich with just six league starts to his name. He made a further 11 appearances off the bench and featured five times in the Champions League and once in the German Cup. This month, in Bayern’s opening two Club World Cup fixtures, he has been an unused substitute for both.

Much of the Portugal star’s anguish arose after he suffered a lengthy injury setback that kept him out of action from November through to January. From then on, he faced an uphill battle to reclaim his place in the 11.

United ready to pursue Palhinha if he is made available

Bayern have since been mulling over Palhinha’s future at the Allianz Arena, and whether it is better that they cash in now or send him out on loan in hopes that he reignites his form. Should they settle for the former option, United are waiting in the wings to offer the 29-year-old a route back to the English top flight.

According to GiveMeSport, the Red Devils are ‘eager’ to negotiate a deal for the ex-Cottagers ace — previously hailed as ‘world-class’ by journalist Dom Smith — amid his uncertain future with Bayern.

A loan poses as a relatively risk-free solution for INEOS, who are desperately trying to bolster Ruben Amorim’s ranks on a limited transfer budget.

This article first appeared on Stretty News and was syndicated with permission.

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