Thomas Tuchel endures deadline day nightmare as £55m transfer falls through

01 September 2023 , 16:38

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Thomas Tuchel endures deadline day nightmare as £55m transfer falls through

Joao Palhinha's £55million transfer to Bayern Munich has fallen through with the midfielder set to return to Fulham.

Bundesliga giants launched a late bid to sign the Portugal international and Palhinha flew to Bavaria this deadline day, where he agreed personal terms with Bayern and successfully completed a medical.

But Fulham, despite giving Palhinha permission to go to Germany, were adamant that they would only sell if and when an adequate replacement was signed for their star asset. Marco Silva and his recruitment team set about trying to land either Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay or Tottenham star Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, but were unable to make a deal happen.

Man United are keen to retain McTominay after selling midfielder Fred in this summer's window, while former Southampton man Hojbjerg is only prepared to leave Spurs for Atletico Madrid.

Bayern only had until 5pm to complete the transfer before the German window slammed shut - six hours before the British window closes - but Fulham were unable to sign a replacement, meaning the deal has now been cancelled.

Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash

Liverpool, meanwhile, have been trying to sign Bayern Munich star Ryan Gravenberch and the Bavarian club had been open to selling the Dutchman this deadline day.

There were claims that the German giants may wish to retain the midfielder as cover after missing out on Palhinha, but the two deals were always separate from one another and the Reds are still expected to sign Gravenberch as planned.

Fulham signed Palhinha in a £20m transfer from Sporting Lisbon last summer, with the 28-year-old putting pen to paper on a five-year deal with the option of another season.

Joao Palhinha is staying at Fulham (Mark Greenwood/IPS/REX/Shutterstock)

Palhinha established himself as the club's best player and Fulham have been desperate to retain his services, especially after losing Aleksandar Mitrovic to Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal in a deal worth £50m.

Palhinha, who turned down Wolves to join Fulham last summer, said at the time: "I'm very glad to be here. It's a big opportunity for me, for my career, to play in what is - in my opinion - the best league in the world.

"I've signed with a great club. The club wanted me, and I chose the club, so I promise the fans that I will do my best, and I hope we can win so many things in this season."

Jake Polden