In the last moments of the summer transfer window, the Portugal international was about to seal a deal to join Bayern Munich.
Palhinha took a plane to Germany in an attempt to complete a transfer, but the plan eventually fell through before the deadline.
After that, the 28-year-old signed a new contract with Fulham that will keep him there until June 2028 with a one-year option to stay.
When questioned if the unsuccessful transfer to Bayern was the reason for the renewal, Palhinha surprisingly omitted to mention that West Ham had attempted to sign him before to the German powerhouses.
“Not at all. Since our pre-season training camp in the United States, the renewal has been planned,” Palhinha told Portuguese publication O Jogo.
“At the time, I had spoken with the owner of Fulham and he promised to extend my contract. I had also received a fantastic offer from West Ham.
“I interpreted that as a support vote. Bayern’s appearance in the closing phases of the market surprised me.
Palhinha, who moved from Sporting Lisbon to Fulham in 2022, has continued to be an important member of the West London team in his second season.
With three goals and one assist in his 24 Premier League games this season, the Portuguese midfielder has started 22 of them.
Palhinha is linked to a move away from Craven Cottage ahead of the summer transfer window, despite having a long-term contract with Fulham.
Prior to the 2024–25 season, Fulham vice chairman Tony Khan acknowledged last month that the team would take into account “sensible offers” for Palhinha.
There have been reports of interest from Chelsea, Arsenal, and Liverpool, but it’s unclear if Bayern will step up their efforts again.
Palhinha’s current priorities after his return from international service will be to assist Fulham in winning their away league match against Sheffield United on Saturday.
