Palhinha hints at return to Portugal amid Bayern exit speculation

Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.

Joao Palhinha has hinted that he will return to Portugal in the future, but refused to confirm if 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 giants.

The 31-year-old spent last season on loan at Tottenham, making 45 appearances in all competitions and scoring the goal that secured their top-flight status, with a 1-0 win over Everton on the final day sending West Ham down at their 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 told CNN Portugal.

“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 joined Bayern in July 2024 but has made just 25 appearances for them in all competitions.

Last season, Palhinha won Tottenham five points via his goals scored in the Premier League; it was the joint-most by any player for Spurs (also five for Richarlison).

He netted seven goals overall, a tally only bettered by Richarlison (12), while also getting one assist.

Palhinha has reportedly rejected an offer from Saudi Arabia, while Aston Villa are said to be interested in his signature.

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