Bayern Munich’s summer purge leaves Palhinha on the block

Bayern Munich have announced that three players, including former Premier League star Joao Palhinha, are on the transfer list for the upcoming summer window, a move aimed at reshaping the squad ahead of the new Bundesliga campaign. Director of sport Max Eberl confirmed the trio are not in the club’s plans for the next season. Eberl added that Bayern are open to letting the three players leave before the window closes, stating they have "no future at Bayern" and will not feature in the upcoming campaign. The quoted trio consists of Sacha Boey, Joao Palhinha and Bryan Zaragoza. Palhinha arrived at Bayern in July 2024 after two solid seasons at Fulham and contributed to the club’s Bundesliga title that season, logging 986 minutes across all competitions. He then spent a season‑long loan at Tottenham Hotspur with an option to buy for £26 million, a clause that has now expired. Tottenham have since reinforced their midfield by signing Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali in deals that together cost £185 million, leaving Palhinha’s future uncertain. Reports suggest Aston Villa and Newcastle United are keen on the 31‑year‑old, who has expressed a desire to remain in England. Bayern’s first summer signing was Getty Ismael Saibari, secured from PSV Eindhoven for a reported €50 million (£43 million). The Portuguese midfielder was followed by the acquisition of Nathaniel Brown from Eintracht Frankfurt for €55 million (£47 million), a player Manchester United had previously targeted. Other recent departures include Leon Goretzka and Raphael Guerreiro, who left the club after their contracts expired, while several other squad members have moved on loan or permanently. Bayern aim to finalise the departures before the transfer window shuts, with the club’s strategy now hinging on integrating new signings while off‑loading surplus players to shape the squad for the forthcoming season.