Joao Palhinha given green light for Benfica medical after Bayern Munich agreement

Benfica have reached a full agreement with Bayern Munich to sign Portugal midfielder Joao Palhinha on a permanent transfer during the summer window, according to reports in Germany.

Sky journalist Florian Plettenberg reported that the two clubs had settled the terms of the deal, with Benfica now authorised to arrange Palhinha’s medical. The 31-year-old has also agreed to the move, bringing his time in Germany closer to an end after two seasons with Bayern.

The transfer is expected to be worth up to €20m. If the most realistic performance-related bonuses are activated, the overall package is expected to reach between €18m and €19m.

Benfica had been working on the deal for several weeks and are understood to have beaten competition from clubs in the Premier League. Palhinha’s approval removes a further obstacle, with the medical the next major step before the move can be completed.

Palhinha joined Bayern from Fulham in the summer of 2024 in a deal worth more than €50m. However, he was unable to establish himself as a first-choice player in the Bayern side and spent the previous season on loan at Tottenham Hotspur.

Bayern sporting director Max Eberl had already indicated that the club wanted to sell Palhinha during the current transfer window. The proposed move to Benfica would therefore allow Bayern to recoup part of their investment while giving the midfielder the opportunity to return to Portuguese football.

Palhinha began his senior career in Portugal and previously played for Sporting CP before moving to Fulham in 2022. He became an important figure in the Premier League before earning his transfer to Bayern, where competition for places limited his playing time.

A move to Benfica would see him return to his home country and join one of Portugal’s leading clubs. It would also mark a new stage in a career that has included domestic football in Portugal, England and Germany, as well as international appearances for Portugal.

The agreement remains subject to the completion of the medical and the final formalities of the transfer. However, with Bayern, Benfica and Palhinha all understood to have approved the move, the deal is now considered close to completion.