West Ham transfer target Joao Palhinha says that he has no intention of leaving Bayern Munich this summer.
The Portuguese international was signed from Fulham for £47m last year, but he has struggled to get game time. Asked why things have not worked out for him during his first season in the Bundesliga, Palhinha replied:
“It wasn’t easy. My injury didn’t help me, and when I came back, Leon [Goretzka] was playing well so it wasn’t easy to get playing time. I want to stay. Why not? I’m at one of the best clubs in the world.”
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“Just because things weren’t going well for me in my first year doesn’t mean I want to leave again! This only gives me more will to keep fighting. I want more. If there’s anyone who wants to change my situation and prove their worth, it’s me.”
West Ham made an enquiry last month
Bild journalist Christian Falk reported in April that the Hammers had “enquired” about the 29-year-old’s availability, although their interest hasn’t gone any further than that so far.
There were also suggestions that Palhinha was offered to the London club, along with Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool, but it appears the player has every intention of staying in Germany.
Palhinha is not the only midfielder on the club’s radar
Head coach Graham Potter is keen to freshen things up in the middle of the park, and several players have been linked with a transfer to the London Stadium, in addition to the Bayern Munich star.
Over the weekend, it was claimed that the Irons want to buy Manchester City’s James McAtee, along with a dozen other teams. Sunderland’s Chris Rigg, Lorient’s Arthur Avom and Lille’s Angel Gomes are just a few of the other names that have been mentioned as potential targets in recent weeks.
Click here to see West Ham’s first team squad for the 2024/25 season