Palhinha returns to Portugal with Benfica after Bayern exit

Joao Palhinha has returned to the Primeira Liga after his move to Benfica from Bayern Munich was confirmed on Wednesday. 

Palhinha has previously turned out for Moreirense, Sporting CP, Belenenses and Braga in the top flight, but has now put pen to paper on a four-year contract with Benfica. 

The 31-year-old was the subject of reported interest from Aston Villa and Newcastle United, but he has decided to reunite with Marco Silva in Portugal. 

Palhinha joined Bayern from Fulham in 2024 but only went on to make 25 appearances in all competitions, 10 of which were starts, winning the Bundesliga title in 2024-25. 

He spent last season on loan with Tottenham and helped Roberto De Zerbi's side retain their Premier League status on the final day of the campaign, scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win over Everton to keep his former team in the division. 

During his time at Tottenham, Palhinha helped win his team five points with goals scored in the top flight, the joint-most by any player for Spurs (also five for Richarlison). 

But he will now link up with Benfica, and Bayern board member for sport, Max Eberl, wished him well for the next chapter of his career. 

"We've discussed Joao Palhinha's situation openly with him and found a solution that we could all agree on," Eberl told Bayern's website. 

"He's decided to continue his career in his home country. We thank him for his time at FC Bayern and wish him all the best for the future."

Palhinha will be hoping to build on the form he showed during his time at Spurs under a manager he knows well in Silva, with the pair spending time together at Fulham. 

No player won more tackles (185) or won more duels (632) for Fulham than Palhinha throughout his time at Craven Cottage, while he also ranked second for aerial duels won (124) and interceptions (113) in his two years at the club. 

Benfica have begun their domestic season by taking four points from their opening two Primeira Liga games, which included a 7-0 thrashing of Casa Pia. 

They have also beaten Hearts in the third round of Europa League qualifying, and they hold a 3-1 lead in their play-off clash with AGF Aarhus heading into Thursday's second leg.