Across João Palhinha’s two seasons in West London, Palhinha looked the best pure ball-winner on the planet. So, when the Portuguese international finally departed to Bavaria last summer, nothing but elite play was expected from the former Sporting star. That’s been far from the case. With reports of a shock return to SW6 swirling, is a sensational return in store for a second summer running on the Thames?
João being forced upon boss Vincent Kompany, to marital issues, have been cited as reasons for Palhinha becoming voted worst Bundesliga signing of the season in his maiden season at the Allianz Arena.
Fast forward 12 months from his blockbuster Munich move, João Palhinha has reached a career crossroads. Where does the former Fulham talisman go?
Palhinha turns 30 in less than three weeks. Ahead of a 2026 World Cup, first-team football is a must to see the ex-Braga loanee compete at a final major tournament. Where can offer the Bayern star an environment to thrive?
Why Fulham Have to Buy a Number Six This Summer
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Marco Silva’s midfield is the needle-mover for this record-breaking Fulham side. Despite no lack of individual talent, a midfield pivot of Lukić and Berge is simply just too flat to take the middling ceiling off Marco’s men. The Whites are often set out in a vertical alignment in central areas when in control of possession. It’s not rocket science, it’s tactical 101 to realise a central duo of two conservatively deployed, yet non-defensively-specialist midfielders will see an inability to break teams down. Silva’s handbrake approach to the Serb and Norwegian game has prevented the creative initiative or goalscoring ability to break down deeper-lying oppositions.
I’ve outlined my love for Berge’s game several times. The ex-Blades star’s versatility, stamina, and physical frame sees the 27-year-old the perfect player to compete in both boxes, not just limited to a focus on defensive discipline. If you compliment the ex-Genk prodigy with a trademark number six, we will see the re-ignitement of the £20 million man’s late-arriving, ball-carrying number eight skill set.
Can you think of anybody better suited for that hallowed number six role than João Palhinha?
Why a Return to The Big Smoke Makes Sense for João Palhinha
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It’s the very reason JP succeeded in London that is limiting his time in Bavaria. Palhinha’s sport-leading ball-winning abilities are curtailed for a ball-dominant system like Kompany’s Bundesliga champions. The Cottage fan favourite has never excelled in possession. His role under Marco Silva relied on Palhinha’s ability to create turnovers and defensive stability, which saw the Lisbon-born star put up unparalleled tackle and interception numbers. João’s now-Belgian boss’ system is the opposite of that.
Palhinha is required to be silky with the ball at his feet for Kompany’s side, as ‘Super Bayern’s’ command of possession prevents the utilisation of the Academia de Alcochete graduate’s dispossession prowess. Simply put, to reach the biggest stage for his country – likely World Cup favourites next summer – he has to get back to a role made for him, likely for a side without a guarantee to constantly dominate the ball. A return to Blighty offers just that.
Whether it be in a short-term move to allow FFC’s all-time best number six a quickfire move back to a super club, or a temporary move from Bayern allowing João to reconsider his options post-USA 2026, a Motspur Park return would guarantee the DM a centrepiece role of a comfortable Premier League side in a tactical setup designed for his game – no doubt solidifying his spot on Roberto Martínez’s stateside flight.
The idea of a Riverside return seemed sensational just weeks ago, but with murmurs leaving Munich that Bayern’s DOF is looking to cut ties with the near £50 million man, Palhinha may well wake up and smell the coffee on the reality of his doomed spell in Germany. João doesn’t have the time to sit as a rotation option on the banks of the Isar. Fulham and Palhinha’s worlds look to have collided once more.
A Match Made in Heaven
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The Palhinha return would be the ultimate statement signing. The Khans regaining the services of a truly world-class player would put Silva a lot closer to signing a renewed deal at the Cottage. It’s a no-brainer signing for Fulham; therefore, we would likely break our wage structure for a manager, squad, and fan favourite. JP is on £160,000 per week in the Bavarian capital. Could Marco’s men not match that, whilst promising a career trajectory 180 in the glitzy, family-familiar surroundings of West London?
I’d back João’s return as the signing that could fire Fulham to a first major honour. Where would FFC have been with him in the second half of 24/25, especially in the Palace quarter-final? The Nations League winner’s mere defensive presence frees up his teammates – both allowing Berge to add much-needed goalscoring and creative impetus, whilst allowing the career-defining opportunity for Palhinha to feel the familiar feeling of mopping up opposing attacks. It’s a match made in heaven.
Make a statement to the boss. Back an all-time Fulham manager with an all-time talented Fulham player. It works for London’s Original. It works for Palhinha. See the light, João. Get it done.