Palhinha hints at return to Portugal amid Bayern talk
Joao Palhinha has hinted that he will return to Portugal in the future, but refused to confirm whether he will be signing for Benfica this summer.
Palhinha has been heavily linked with a move away from Bayern Munich in recent weeks after he failed to nail down a place with the Bundesliga giant.
The 31 year-old spent last season on loan at Tottenham, making 45 appearances in all competitions and scoring the goal that secured its top-flight status, with a 1-0 win over Everton on the final day sending West Ham down at its expense.
Palhinha had spoken of his desire to make the move to north London permanent, but that fell through, with reports then emerging that he could return to his homeland and reunite with his former Fulham boss Marco Silva.
He has two years left on his current Bayern deal, but when asked if he would be on the move this transfer window, Palhinha refused to speculate.
"I'm going back to Bayern, you know. It's been quite a saga, but I'm a Bayern player at the moment," he said.
"We'll see. I'm not going to talk. I respect your work, as you know, but I don't want to talk now.
"I will return [to Portugal]. I don't know if it's now, but I will return. Benfica? I don't know, we'll see."
Palhinha, who joined Bayern in July 2024 and has made 25 appearances in all competitions, reportedly rejected an offer from Saudi Arabia, while Aston Villa is said to be interested in his signature.
