Joao Palhinha breaks silence on Fulham future after Bayern Munich saga

The Portugal international was on the verge of joining the German giants last summer, before the move fell through on transfer deadline day.

The 28-year-old subsequently signed a new contract with Fulham, extending his deal with the club until the summer of 2028.

With the transfer window set to open next month, it remains to be seen whether Bayern will renew their pursuit of Palhinha.

Palhinha leaves door open to Fulham departure

The former Sporting Lisbon man has admitted it is likely he will stay at Craven Cottage, but he refused to completely rule out the prospect of a potential departure ahead of the 2024-25 season.

"At the moment, today, the likelihood is I stay at Fulham, but we'll see what happens," Palhinha told Flashcore. "I have immense respect for the Fulham organisation, people know what a professional I am and that's the example I want to pass on to the many kids who follow me and look up to me."

When asked specifically about Bayern's interest, Palhinha said: "I don't know if it's a closed door or not, everything in football is very uncertain. I can't say it's a closed or open door. I can't put myself in a position like that either.

"Today I want to focus more on the European Championships because that's the goal, to leave a good impression at the Euros, and then everything else will follow.

"People already know me. The fact that I'm in the Premier League means I'm in a very big shop window, probably the biggest of them all. The Euros is also a showcase that everyone is following all over the world."

Fulham will be desperate to keep Palhinha

Earlier this month, Fulham boss Marco Silva insisted that Palhinha will remain at the club for the 2024-25 season.

Fulham will be keen to retain the player's services, having seen him become one of their key players since arriving from Sporting in 2022.

Palhinha made 35 Premier League appearances in his first season as a Fulham player, before continuing to play a prominent role in the 2023-24 campaign.

The Portuguese midfielder chipped in with three goals in 33 top-flight matches as the Cottagers went on to finish in 13th place.

Palhinha is currently preparing for his third international tournament after being named in Roberto Martinez's Portugal squad for Euro 2024.