Bayern Munich: Disastrous deadline day ends with TWO failed transfers

The Bavarians pushed to add a new holding midfielder to their ranks.

Joao Palhinha will not join Bayern Munich despite having an agreement in place with the German champions.

The Portuguese star emerged as Bayern’s main transfer target toward the end of the transfer window. The club reportedly agreed to pay a fee of around £58m to Fulham, who were set to allow Palhinha’s exit upon finding a replacement.

Palhinha went on to complete his medical at the German club on Friday, but the deal collapsed as Fulham’s final greenlight didn’t arrive on time.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Palhinha even took pictures with Bayern’s jersey. However, the 28-year-old will return to Craven Cottage after his collapsed transfer to Allianz Arena.

Palhinha’s dramatic transfer saga ended in a major squad blow for Bayern. The German giants were planning to add the defensive midfielder to their ranks as a replacement for Ryan Gravenberch, who is on his way to completing a move to Liverpool.

Bayern also failed to sign a replacement for Benjamin Pavard after the Frenchman’s move to Inter.

Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah and Southampton’s Armel Bella-Kotchap were Bayern’s targets for the right-back position. However, a report from Sky Sports claims the Bavarians have failed to secure either player’s signature.

Bayern’s transfer window ends on a disappointing note as the club continue their 2023-24 campaign with less squad depth in two areas.