Sunday Fulham Stuff - 22/06/25...

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Latest transfer news and rumours: Joao Palhinha to Fulham, Matt O'Riley to Brighton, Luke Thomas to Real Betis
Fulham are reportedly interested in re-signing Joao Palhinha from German champions Bayern Munich.

Palhinha made 79 competitive appearances during a two-year stay in West London before he completed a move to Bayern last summer.

However, the Portugal international endured a difficult first season with the Bavarians, making just six starts in 17 Bundesliga appearances.

According to the Daily Mail, Fulham are willing to offer Palhinha a route out of the Allianz Arena this summer.

The report claims that Fulham are one of several Premier League clubs that are exploring the possibility of signing Palhinha on an initial loan deal.

Bayern are open to offers for the midfielder, although his salary could prove to be a potential stumbling block.

Palhinha has also not given up on his Bayern career, with the 29-year-old still willing to fight for a place in Vincent Kompany's side.

Napoli table O'Riley bid

Meanwhile, Napoli have reportedly submitted a bid to sign Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Matt O'Riley.

After winning the Serie A title last term, Napoli boss Antonio Conte is looking to add to his squad ahead of their return to the Champions League.

The Italian giants have identified Brighton's O'Riley as a target for the summer transfer business.

According to Sky Sports News, Napoli have stepped up their interest in the Denmark international with a formal bid.

They have submitted a £25.6m (€30m) bid and are currently in talks with Brighton over a deal, as they look to win the race for the former Celtic man.

Atalanta have already been linked with the 24-year-old, while Everton are also said to be among those showing an interest.

Betis lining up Thomas offer

Over in Spain, Real Betis are reportedly ready to make an offer for Leicester City defender Luke Thomas.

Los Verdiblancos appear keen to recruit another left-back despite being on the verge of recruiting Leeds United's Junior Firpo on a free transfer.

According to Fichajes, Betis are preparing to make an effort to bring Leicester's Thomas to La Liga this summer.

Los Verdiblancos are willing to submit an offer worth an initial €5m (£4.3m) with a further €5m (£4.3m) depending on whether certain clauses are met.

Manuel Pellegrini's side can offer Thomas the chance to play Europa League football after finishing in sixth position last term.

From Leicester's perspective, they may struggle to keep the full-back following their relegation to the Championship, especially as he only has a year left to run on his contract.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/transfer-talk/news/latest-transfer-news-and-rumours-fulham-eyeing-palhinha-return_575940.html

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Could João Palhinha Really Return to Fulham?
Across João Palhinha's two seasons in West London, Palhinha looked the best pure ball-winner on the planet.
 
So, when the Portuguese international finally departed to Bavaria last summer, nothing but elite play was expected from the former Sporting star. That's been far from the case. With reports of a shock return to SW6 swirling, is a sensational return in store for a second summer running on the Thames?

João being forced upon boss Vincent Kompany, to marital issues, have been cited as reasons for Palhinha becoming voted worst Bundesliga signing of the season in his maiden season at the Allianz Arena.

Fast forward 12 months from his blockbuster Munich move, João Palhinha has reached a career crossroads. Where does the former Fulham talisman go?

Palhinha turns 30 in less than three weeks. Ahead of a 2026 World Cup, first-team football is a must to see the ex-Braga loanee compete at a final major tournament. Where can offer the Bayern star an environment to thrive?

Why Fulham Have to Buy a Number Six This Summer
Marco Silva's midfield is the needle-mover for this record-breaking Fulham side. Despite no lack of individual talent, a midfield pivot of Lukić and Berge is simply just too flat to take the middling ceiling off Marco's men. The Whites are often set out in a vertical alignment in central areas when in control of possession. It's not rocket science, it's tactical 101 to realise a central duo of two conservatively deployed, yet non-defensively-specialist midfielders will see an inability to break teams down. Silva's handbrake approach to the Serb and Norwegian game has prevented the creative initiative or goalscoring ability to break down deeper-lying oppositions.

I've outlined my love for Berge's game several times. The ex-Blades star's versatility, stamina, and physical frame sees the 27-year-old the perfect player to compete in both boxes, not just limited to a focus on defensive discipline. If you compliment the ex-Genk prodigy with a trademark number six, we will see the re-ignitement of the £20 million man's late-arriving, ball-carrying number eight skill set.

Can you think of anybody better suited for that hallowed number six role than João Palhinha?

Why a Return to The Big Smoke Makes Sense for João Palhinha
It's the very reason JP succeeded in London that is limiting his time in Bavaria. Palhinha's sport-leading ball-winning abilities are hardly curtailed for a ball-dominant system like Kompany's Bundesliga champions. The Cottage fan favourite has never excelled in possession. His role under Marco Silva relied on Palhinha's ability to create turnovers and defensive stability, which saw the Lisbon-born star put up unparalleled tackle and interception numbers. João's now-Belgian boss' system is the opposite of that.

Palhinha is required to be silky with the ball at his feet for Kompany's side, as 'Super Bayern's' command of possession prevents the utilisation of the Academia de Alcochete graduate's dispossession prowess. Simply put, to reach the biggest stage for his country – likely World Cup favourites next summer – he has to get back to a role made for him, likely for a side without a guarantee to constantly dominate the ball. A return to Blighty offers just that.

Whether it be in a short-term move to allow FFC's all-time best number six a quickfire move back to a super club, from a likely loan platform Thames side, allowing João to reconsider his options post-USA 2026. A Motspur Park return would guarantee the DM a centrepiece role of a comfortable Premier League side in a tactical setup designed for his game – no doubt solidifying his spot on Roberto Martínez's stateside flight.

The idea of a Riverside return seemed sensational just weeks ago, but with murmurs leaving Munich that Bayern's DOF, Max Eberl, is looking to cut ties with the near £50 million man, Palhinha may well wake up and smell the coffee on the reality of his doomed spell in Germany. João doesn't have the time to sit as a rotation option on the banks of the Isar. Fulham and Palhinha's worlds look to have collided once more.

A Match Made in Heaven
The Palhinha return would be the ultimate statement signing. The Khans regaining the services of a truly world-class player would put Silva a lot closer to signing a renewed deal at the Cottage. It's a no-brainer signing for Fulham; therefore, we would likely break our wage structure for a manager, squad, and fan favourite. JP is on £160,000 per week in the Bavarian capital. Could Marco's men not match that, whilst promising a career trajectory 180 in the glitzy, family-familiar surroundings of West London?

I'd back João's return as the signing that could fire Fulham to a first major honour. Where would FFC have been with him in the second half of 24/25, especially in the Palace quarter-final? The Nations League winner's mere defensive presence frees up his teammates – both allowing Berge to add much-needed goalscoring and creative impetus, whilst allowing the career-defining opportunity for Palhinha to feel the familiar feeling of mopping up opposing attacks. It's a match made in heaven.

Make a statement to the boss, to the league as a whole. Back an all-time Fulham manager with an all-time talented Fulham player. It works for London's Original. It works for Palhinha. See the light, João. Tony, your already in America, get on an internal flight to where FC Bayern are training, and Get it done.



https://medium.com/@LondonsOriginal/could-joão-palhinha-really-return-to-fulham-617fb87c7884

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Report: Sunderland Lead Everton, Fulham in Race for Striker With Contacts Already Made
The Black Cats are currently ahead of Everton and Fulham in the race to sign a 23-year-old forward.

Sunderland are in the process of rebuilding their squad for the next season, after having achieved promotion to the Premier League.

The Black Cats have recently been linked with players like Matthis Abline (22), an attacker of Nantes, but the potential signing of the Frenchman has been complicated by the stance of the Ligue 1 side.

On the other hand, Sunderland have also been named as an option for Vladyslav Vanat, a 23-year-old striker from Dynamo Kyiv.

In fact, it was reported that the Lads are ahead of Everton and Fulham in the race to sign the Ukrainian, and news has emerged regarding this.

Sunderland advance in signing of Dynamo Kyiv striker Vladyslav Vanat
Now, Express has confirmed what Champion reported some days ago, assuring that Sunderland have an advantage in signing Dynamo Kyiv striker Vladyslav Vanat.

The cited outlet points out that Sunderland are the only club that has initiated contacts to sign the Ukrainian attacker.

As context, some days ago, Champion reported that the Lads were ahead of Everton, Fulham, and Leeds United in the race for Vanat's signing.

Therefore, this new report confirms it and adds that Sunderland have even already started the contacts.

   

Sunderland are the most advanced of any club pursuing Dynamo Kyiv striker Vladyslav Vanat this summer.

    Up to now, Sunderland are the only Premier League side holding formal talks with Vanat's camp.
    Charlie Gordon, Express

The only problem the Black Cats would face is the price Dynamo would demand, since Sunderland are reportedly close to reaching an agreement on personal terms with Vanat.

Express explains that the Ukrainian club could demand up to £21m for their striker, a high figure considering the player has never competed outside Ukraine.

   

Bosses in Kyiv ideally want to keep Vanat for their Champions League qualifying campaign, which is scheduled to begin on July 22.
    Charlie Gordon, Express

We will see if more news emerges regarding this potential Sunderland signing in the coming weeks.



https://www.si.com/soccer/sunderland/sunderland-nation-transfers/report-sunderland-lead-everton-fulham-in-race-for-striker-with-contacts-already-made

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Former Wigan Athletic, Barnsley, Rochdale, Hearts, Fulham, Shrewsbury Town, Scunthorpe United and Southend United man joins Bradford City
Wigan Athletic old-boy Stephen Humphrys has rejected a new deal at Barnsley to join fellow League One outfit Bradford City.

The 27-year-old, who left Latics last summer to join the Tykes, was offered a new deal at Oakwell, but on reduced terms.

And he has opted to make the switch from South Yorkshire to West Yorkshire to join the newly-promoted Bantams.

"Bradford City is such a massive club," he said. "I consider it a sleeping giant really. I am delighted to get it done so early before pre-season starts.

"Everyone saw the scenes last season, on the last day. Obviously, the club got promoted, just seeing those scenes made me want to be a part of it. Hopefully, we can make more memories like that."

Former Latics duo Max Power and Curtis Tilt have already joined Bardford this summer, under head of football operations David Sharpe, the ex-Latics chairman.

"Stephen will add genuine pace and power to our front line, while giving us an extra goal threat with his finishing ability," said Bantams boss Graham Alexander.

"I believe he has his best years ahead of him. After meeting with Stephen, I know he is determined and ambitious enough to put the work in to become an even better player. We are very happy to have him here."

Humphrys has put pen to paper on a two-year contract.

He has scored 52 times in 219 appearances in League One, with 18 assists, and won promotion to the Championship with Latics under Leam Richardson in 2021/22.

Shortly before Bradford confirmed the signing, Humphrys said his farewells to the Barnsley fans via social media.

"I want to thank every single player, coach, member of staff and most importantly the brilliant fans at @BarnsleyFC for the time I spent at the club," he said. "I've made some friends for life and memories to last a lifetime.

"I realised fairly early after the summer that the club wasn't in a position to continue the journey, so unfortunately it has come to an end. I believe Conor (Hourihane) is the man to take the club forward, and I want to thank him for trusting me during his time. All the very best for the season and beyond."



https://www.wigantoday.net/sport/football/former-wigan-athletic-barnsley-rochdale-hearts-fulham-shrewsbury-town-scunthorpe-united-and-southend-united-man-joins-bradford-city-5188184

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Joao Palhinha ready to leave Bayern Munich this summer
Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha is reportedly ready to leave the Bundesliga club this summer amid his links with Fulham.

Bundesliga champions Joao Palhinha are looking to cash in on him, and his former club Fulham are interested. According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, the development will come as a major boost for Fulham, who are hoping to get the deal done.

The Portuguese intenrational cost Bayern Munich €56 million, and they are likely to want a premium for him. It remains to be seen whether Fulham are prepared to pay a premium for the player. The 29-year-old was an exceptional performer for them before he moved to Germany. Bringing him back would be a wise decision.

The Portuguese international is still very much at the peak of his career, and he will look to get his career back on track with regular football at the West London club. Returning to the Premier League could be ideal for him. The experienced midfielder knows the league well, and he played his best football at Fulham.

Meanwhile, the move to Bayern Munich has not worked out for him as planned. Palhinha was not a regular starter for the German club last season. He needs to play more often, and returning to England would be ideal.

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich need more depth in the middle of the park, and they will need to bring in a quality player if Palhinha ends up leaving the club. The Bundesliga champions will look to recoup most of the €56 million that they paid for the player. It will be interesting to see if any club is willing to pay up. The midfielder has been linked with clubs like Manchester United as well.

Palhinha will look to sort out his future
The Portuguese international we look to sort out his permanent future soon and focus on his football once again. He will certainly hope that Fulham and Bayern Munich can come to an agreement quickly.

It will be interesting to see if the 29-year-old decides to join a big club this summer. He might want to fight for trophies at this stage of his career, and Fulham might not be able to provide him with that opportunity. With clubs like Manchester United linked, he will certainly weigh up a big move.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2025/06/21/joao-palhinha-ready-to-leave-bayern-munich-this-summer/

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Forget Rodrigo Muniz, Leeds United could now sign his former Fulham teammate who once scored 43 goals in one season
Leeds United are making moves to sign Rodrigo Muniz from Fulham this summer. But the price tag has a lot of fans talking.

Rodrigo Muniz became a super-sub for Fulham last season. He scored eight goals in the Premier League last season despite starting only eight times, and now Leeds United are trying to sign Muniz.

His links to Elland Road have left Fulham fans amused. But Daniel Farke is serious about signing the Brazilian, with Leeds having a £32million bid rejected for Muniz already this summer.

Fulham are holding out for a staggering £50million. Whether Leeds United are eventually willing to match that amount remains to be seen, if not highly unlikely. But there could be a perfect alternative for the Whites.

And he's someone who fans will certainly remember and who Muniz will know very well indeed.

Could Aleksandar Mitrovic return to England this summer?
A striker who needs no introduction is Aleksandar Mitrovic. The 100-cap Serbian hero has been playing with Al-Hilal for the last two years, but there's now rumours that he could be on the move this summer, and potentially on his way back to England.

Earlier in the summer, talkSPORT linked Everton and West Ham with a move for the now 30-year-old. It's understood that Al-Hilal could sell or loan out the former Newcastle United and Fulham man, with £40million thought to be the asking price, which is £10million less than what they paid Fulham for his signature.

Famed for scoring 43 goals in 44 Championship games during the 2021/22 season, Mitrovic has 68 goals in 79 games for Al-Hilal. His Premier League record stands at 38 goals and 11 assists in 129 games, with 14 goals in 24 Premier League matches in 2022/23 his best return in the top flight.

3 reasons why Aleksandar Mitrovic would be a quality signing for Leeds United

Aleksandar Mitrovic is a certified goal-scorer
Mitrovic is nothing if not a goal-scorer. He holds the record for most goals in a Championship season (43) and it's a record that looks set to last, with Joel Piroe winning the Golden Boot last season on just 19 goals.

After a tough spell at Newcastle United initially, Mitrovic eventually burst into life at Craven Cottage, scoring 111 goals in 206 games for the Cottagers, using his brute force and genuine technical and finishing ability to become one of the most lethal strikers in England at his peak.

With Premier League quality in his boots, Mitrovic would be a solid signing for any team in the top flight, no less a newly-promoted Leeds United side.

Aleksandar Mitrovic would be a huge upgrade on Leeds' current options
Right now, Farke has Joel Piroe, Patrick Bamford, Mateo Joseph, and Lukas Nmecha as his striking options. Leeds have just signed Nmecha on a free transfer and the jury is somewhat out on the 26-year-old, who's flopped in England before. There's also the possibility that Mateo Joseph could leave Leeds United this summer.

Farke's four strikers have 24 Premier League goals between them. All of which are Bamford's. Mitrovic arriving would mark a huge upgrade on arguably all four of Farke's current strikers, given his pedigree in England and his goals tally in the last couple of seasons, albeit in Saudi Arabia.

A loan deal for Aleksandar Mitrovic could be ideal for all parties
Leeds United have a £150million transfer budget this summer. Expect Farke to spend the bulk of that, though Leeds fans aren't keen on Muniz signing, especially at a cost of more than £32million.

Whereas a loan deal for Mitrovic could be perfect. Leeds would no doubt have to pay some kind of loan fee and there might be a hefty option to buy, or even an obligation, but if Leeds can negotiate a loan deal for the Serb that works for them and fits their budget, then it could prove to be very good business for the 49ers.

And for Mitrovic, a loan move back to England could be beneficial as it seems like there's no team willing to cough up £40million for his services. At least there's been no signs of any willing team just yet.



https://www.leedsunited.news/opinion/forget-rodrigo-muniz-leeds-united-could-now-sign-his-former-fulham-teammate-who-once-scored-43-goals-in-one-season/

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Bayern Munich will demand €30-35 million to sell Joao Palhinha
Manchester United and Fulham can bring Joao Palhinha back to the Premier League for around €30-35 million.

Joao Palhinha could end up parting ways with Bayern Munich just 12 months after joining them. The German giants are willing to sanction his departure amidst interest from Premier League clubs.

According to a report from CaughtOffside, Manchester United and Fulham are keen on signing him and could acquire his services for a fee between €30-€35 million.

Palhinha made quite a name for himself with his consistent performances for Fulham. He was on the wishlist of quite a few top clubs, but Bayern managed to win the race for his signature when they signed him last summer in a deal worth €50 million.

While the German club had massive expectations from the Portuguese international, the move hasn't really worked out. He has failed to establish himself as an important member of Vincent Kompany's team and has also struggled with injury.

He was on the pitch for less than 1,000 minutes last season; as a result, Bayern are now ready to sanction the departure of the 29-year-old defensive midfielder. The Portuguese midfielder is also ready to part ways with the German outfit after a disappointing debut campaign. They have set an asking price of €30 to €35 million for Palhinha amidst interest from Manchester United and Fulham.

Will Palhinha secure a return to the Premier League?
The Cottagers are eager to bring him back, given the impact he made during his two-year spell at the club. They have been closely monitoring him ahead of a potential move. However, they do have financial restrictions, and Palhinha's recent injury record could also complicate things.

Meanwhile, Manchester United are also considering making a move for him. While they do have other priority targets, Ruben Amorim's team are also looking to add more quality and depth to their midfield. He considers the Portuguese international an ideal fit for his system.

But the Red Devils will only go ahead if the financial side of things aligns with their expectations. While the Manchester-based giants would prefer a loan deal, Bayern are only open to a permanent departure.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2025/06/22/bayern-munich-will-demand-e30-35-million-to-sell-joao-palhinha/