Bayern Munich have signed midfielder Joao Palhinha from Fulham on a four-year contract until June 2028 for £42.3 million, plus £4.2 million in add-ons.
The 28-year-old Portugal international joins the Bundesliga club a year after their initial deal to sign him fell through.
“This is one of the happiest days of my life,” Palhinha told the club’s website.
“I’m now playing for one of the top clubs in Europe. It’s a dream come true for me, and I’m very proud of that.”
Palhinha joined Fulham from Sporting Lisbon in 2022 for approximately £17 million.
In his debut season at Craven Cottage, he won the club’s Player of the Year award.
Over two seasons in west London, the midfielder made 79 appearances and scored eight goals.
Palhinha is following Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise to Bayern Munich.
English defender Eric Dier has also joined the Bundesliga club permanently after being on loan from Tottenham last season.
Bayern’s 11-year dominance of the German title was ended by Bayer Leverkusen in the 2023-24 season.
🗣️ Max Eberl on João Palhinha:
“João was highly sought after by FC Bayern even last summer – and rightly so. It was important that we never lost touch. João really wanted to come to Bayern, and we need players like that.”#ServusJoão #FCBayern #MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/XUtx3c4KVP
— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) July 11, 2024