Fulham could look to bring former Sunderland man Yann M’Vila back to the Premier League if Joao Palhinha seals a dream move to Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich before Friday’s deadline.
If Fulham’s Portuguese colossus was tempted by the prospect of swapping Craven Cottage for West Ham, then it will have come as no surprise to Joao Palhinha’s adoring public that the chance to put pen to paper with one of Europe’s genuine superclubs was one the former Sporting Lisbon ace is even more determined to grasp.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Palhinha has informed Fulham of his desire to join Harry Kane and co at Bayern. The Bavarians have already agreed personal terms on a contract running until 2028.
And, after losing top scorer Aleksandr Mitrovic to the riches of Saudi Arabia, Palhinha’s potential departure is another massive blow to Marco Silva’s hopes of keeping Fulham safe of the dreaded ‘second season syndrome’.
Fulham could lose Joao Palhinha to Bayern Munich
The identity – and the age – of Palhinha’s potential replacement is unlikely to ease the concerns of Fulham supporters either. FootMercato report that Fulham have enquired about Yann MVila; a 33-year-old former France international who is currently available for free after leaving Olympiakos in July.
Once of Inter Milan and capped 22 times by Les Bleus; M’Vila impressed during a short-lived spell in the Premier League with Sunderland. But that was eight years ago now.
Then again, the scintillating success of fellow 30-something Willian at Fulham last season should be a reminder to supporters not to judge a player by his birth certificate alone.
M’Vila played 45 games for Greek giants Olympiakos last season. Clearly, there is still plenty of oil left in the tank.
Interestingly, this is not the first time Marco Silva has shown an interest in M’Vila. According to The Sun, the then-Hull City manager also attempted to lure M’Vila back to England all the way back in January 2017.
Fulham are allegedly keen on Racing Club’s Juan Ignacio Nardoni too. Reports of a potential £22 million deal have gone cold, however.
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