Bayern Munich midfielder João Palhinha says he intends to stay

Portuguese defensive midfielder João Palhinha, who joined Bayern Munich for €51 million and is contracted until 2028, has publicly reaffirmed his desire to remain at the German club. He participated in preseason training and a test match against Wehen Wiesbaden, signalling no immediate plan to leave. Bayern sport director Christoph Freund stated that the club does not have a transfer plan for Palhinha, even as interest circulates from clubs in Portugal, England, Italy, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Benfica and Sporting CP are cited as preferred destinations by the player, but both lack the financial means to meet Bayern’s reduced asking price of €25 million. Aston Villa and Juventus have also been linked to potential deals, while reported offers from Saudi and Turkish clubs were rejected. The situation is part of a broader Bayern summer‑transfer window in which the club is also considering the futures of Sacha Boey and Bryan Zaragoza, though no concrete moves have materialised.