Manchester United are reportedly looking at bringing in Joao Palhinha on loan for the 2025/26 season. The Red Devils have spent most of the summer transfer window chasing attacking reinforcements, but it’s suggested that Ruben Amorim is keen to bolster his midfield options.
Palhinha knows Amorim well from the pair’s time together at Sporting CP and Braga, with the midfield anchor having left for Fulham in 2022. His impressive ball-winning performances in west London attracted interest from top clubs across Europe, with Bayern Munich eventually taking a £46.5million punt on him last summer.
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It doesn’t appear to have paid off though, with Palhinha making just 25 appearances across all competitions last term, including only six starts in the Bundesliga. While Palhinha did secure a title-winning medal last term, it’s being mooted that the Portuguese ace could be eyeing up a Premier League return.
It’s claimed by GIVEMESPORT that United are interested in signing the 30-year-old this summer, but could face complications because of Bayern’s demands. The Bavarian outfit are said to be against the idea of a temporary switch for Palhinha, given it’s less than a month until the new Bundesliga season gets underway.
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Throughout the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons, Palhinha led the way in terms of players with the most tackles - something United would no doubt benefit from. It would free talisman Bruno Fernandes up to concentrate on his attacking endeavours in the final third, while adding a sturdiness to United’s at-times weak midfield.
Premier League interest isn’t only coming from United, but also Tottenham Hotspur, who are also rumored to be keen on the ex-Fulham star. Instead, the report suggests any move for Palhinha will have to involve a permanent transfer offer instead - something which could cost millions of pounds.
Palhinha opened up about his future at the recent Club World Cup, stating: “Obviously, it hasn’t been an easy year for me, but I’m also very motivated to – as soon as the season starts – prove my worth once again, at a very special club like Bayern, a huge club. I have a contract with Bayern for another three years, so I’ll report back on the 29 [July], which is when we start pre-season. Enjoying these vacation days with family and friends is the most important thing right now.”
United and Spurs have just over three weeks until the new Premier League campaign gets underway. They’ll be able to conduct business until September 1.